Open rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly preferred surgical methods in nasal aesthetics. In this technique, a small incision is made on the columella—the tissue between the nostrils—allowing the surgeon clear visibility and access to the nasal structure. This approach is especially beneficial for correcting complex nasal deformities or revising issues from previous surgeries.

The scar left by open rhinoplasty is usually minimal and, with proper care, becomes nearly invisible over time. Healing times vary by individual, but stitches are typically removed within a week, and the scar fades significantly within a few months. Since cosmetic sutures are used, scarring is minimal and often undetectable.

When comparing closed vs open rhinoplasty, the closed method may leave no external scars, but open rhinoplasty allows for more precision and control, making it ideal for detailed corrections. Open rhinoplasty in Turkey has become increasingly popular due to affordable costs and highly experienced surgeons. Before and after photos of open rhinoplasty clearly demonstrate the potential transformation. Each step of the open rhinoplasty procedure is carefully planned to ensure patient satisfaction and optimal aesthetic results, making it a trusted choice for many seeking nasal enhancement.

For Your Dream Nose. Perfection Through ProfessionalismYUNUS KAPLAN M.D. RHINOPLASTY & REVISION RHINOPLASTYBorn in 1979 in Iskenderun, The Yunus Kaplan Private Clinic was founded, a renowned otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who has specialized in facial aesthetics for more than 15 years in Istanbul. After graduating from Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine in 2001, Yunus Kaplan left the Department of ENT at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine as an expert in 2009.

For Your Dream Nose. Perfection Through ProfessionalismYUNUS KAPLAN M.D. RHINOPLASTY & REVISION RHINOPLASTYBorn in 1979 in Iskenderun, The Yunus Kaplan Private Clinic was founded, a renowned otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who has specialized in facial aesthetics for more than 15 years in Istanbul. He is one of the best surgeon for Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey.

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Table of Contents

Case Studies

Rhinoplasty in a 34-Year-Old Female Patient

Before & After

Complex Revision Rhinoplasty in a 29-Year-Old Female Patient

Before & After

Rhinoplasty in a Patient with a Large, Thick-Skinned Nose

Before & After

Rhinoplasty for Nasal Tip Ptosis, Wide Tip, Dorsal Hump, and Low Radix

Before & After

Comprehensive Rhinoplasty for Functional and Aesthetic Improvements

Before & After

Overview of Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey

Anesthesia

General

Duration

3-4 hours

Hospital Stay

1 Day

Hotel Stay

7 Days

Recovery Time

6-12 months

Back to Work

1 Week

What Is Open Rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty is a surgical method used to solve aesthetic or functional problems of the nose. In this procedure, a small incision is made on the tissue called the columella, which separates the nostrils, and the nasal skin is carefully lifted. This allows the surgeon direct access to the bone and cartilage structures of the nose. This method is preferred in cases where the nose needs to be reshaped and is particularly beneficial for complex changes to the nasal tip. Open rhinoplasty became popular in the early twentieth century and became even more widespread due to advancements in surgical techniques after the war.

Free consultation & simulation for Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey with Dr. Yunus Kaplan

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How Is Open Rhinoplasty Performed?

Open rhinoplasty is a technique that allows the surgeon direct access to the nasal structure. In this method, a small incision is made in the area called the columella between the nostrils, and this incision is connected with other marginal incisions made to the nasal cartilages. This provides the surgeon with a wide field of view to the lower and upper lateral cartilages and the nasal bones. It is used especially in correcting severe deformities and functional problems.
During this surgery, the structures the surgeon accesses are:

Lower lateral cartilages
Upper lateral cartilages
Nasal bones

Open rhinoplasty is ideal for making structural and aesthetic improvements. Particularly in conditions like septal deviation and nasal valve collapse, this method allows the surgeon to directly see the nasal anatomy and make precise corrections. Additionally, cartilage grafts can be placed, and septal adjustments can be made during the surgery.
Because the open technique provides more visibility, it allows the surgeon to achieve safer and more effective results in more complex cases. The incision scars formed after surgery usually heal inconspicuously and do not create an aesthetically disturbing appearance. This technique, which offers more intervention opportunities compared to closed rhinoplasty, allows the surgeon to better analyze all structures in the nose, supporting more successful long-term results.

Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey Before & After

When Is Open Rhinoplasty Performed?

Open rhinoplasty is used in situations that require complex and precise nasal reshaping by providing better access to the nasal structure for the surgeon. This technique, especially preferred in significant structural changes and revision surgeries, offers a wider field of view and allows the surgeon to make fine adjustments. Open rhinoplasty is preferred in the following situations:

Complex nasal deformities
Septal deviation
Dorsal nasal irregularities
Revision rhinoplasty
Congenital nasal anomalies
Breathing problems

Open rhinoplasty is also used when significant changes in the nasal structure or correction of complications from previous surgeries are necessary. During the surgery, the nasal skin is carefully lifted, allowing both aesthetic and functional issues to be addressed. This technique provides the surgeon with more control over the nasal tip and internal structures, resulting in better aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Who Is Not Suitable for Open Rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty may not be suitable for some patients, and evaluating this beforehand is crucial for the safety of the surgical process. For the surgery to be successful, patients’ general health status, psychological makeup, and existing medical conditions should be considered. The following health issues and conditions stand out among patient groups that are not suitable:

Obstructive sleep apnea
Cocaine addiction
Bleeding disorders
Unstable mental health
Previous rhinoplasties (within 12 months)
Cardiovascular problems
Severe diabetes
Pregnancy
Smoking

Among the contraindications for surgery, patients who carry the risk of complications related to anesthesia and those with serious diseases affecting the heart and blood circulation stand out. Additionally, the patient’s psychological state is important; their expectations after surgery should be realistic, and their psychological balance should be stable. For patients who smoke, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking before surgery, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process.
While open rhinoplasty is an effective method for correcting complex nasal deformities, it may not be suitable for every patient. Especially scars from previous surgical interventions can negatively affect the healing process and lead to additional complications. Therefore, the doctor’s preoperative evaluation and detailed examination of the patient’s medical history are critical steps.

How Is Open Rhinoplasty Applied?

Dr. Yunus Kaplan during rhinoplasty surgery in Istanbul, Turkey

Open rhinoplasty is an aesthetic and functional surgical method usually applied in cases requiring significant structural changes. The procedure is performed with an open incision to provide full access to the nasal structure and to perform more complex reshaping. While reshaping the nose, both aesthetic appearance and functional improvements are targeted. Here is the step-by-step process of open rhinoplasty:

Anesthesia is administered
A small incision is made on the columella area
The nasal skin is lifted
Access to cartilage and bone structures is provided
Cartilage is removed or added
Incisions are carefully sutured

During this process, the surgeon evaluates the patient’s nasal anatomy and personalizes the procedure according to their needs. For example, if significant changes will be made to the nasal tip, a cartilage graft may be used. If the patient has breathing difficulties, septal deviation can be corrected. In the postoperative recovery period, external splints and internal tampons applied support the nose and accelerate the healing process. Swelling and bruising usually subside within the first few weeks. The surgeon’s experience is one of the most important factors that directly affect the healing process and the outcome of the surgery.

What Are the Side Effects of Open Rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty is a surgical method applied to achieve successful results, but like every surgical procedure, it can lead to some side effects and complications. These side effects can vary depending on the difficulty level of the surgery, the patient’s anatomical features, and the healing process. Some of the most common side effects are:

Risk of infection
Bleeding and hematoma
Visible scarring
Nasal congestion
Aesthetic dissatisfaction
Temporary or permanent numbness
Septal perforation
Skin necrosis

These conditions, which are among the possible postoperative complications, can usually be controlled with appropriate treatment and a careful healing process. The surgeon informs the patient about risks and possible outcomes before surgery. Also, situations requiring revision are not uncommon and are considered an option for patients experiencing aesthetic dissatisfaction.

How Successful Is Open Rhinoplasty?

Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey Before & After

Open rhinoplasty generally yields quite high results in terms of success rates. In surgeries performed targeting both aesthetic and functional goals, most patients achieve significant levels of satisfaction. When performed by experienced surgeons, success rates vary between 85% and 95%. Improvements are recorded in patients’ nasal shape and breathing function.
Success rates vary depending on the following factors:

Purpose of the surgery
Complexity of the deformity in the case
Surgeon’s experience
Patient’s healing process

Cases requiring revision surgeries are generally reported between 5% and 15%. Serious complications are rare, but some patients may experience mild swelling or bruising for a few weeks. Additionally, although the likelihood of experiencing dissatisfaction with the appearance and function of the nose after surgery is low, individual factors can affect the result. Therefore, open rhinoplasty should be carefully planned and applied according to the patient’s needs.

How to Prepare for Open Rhinoplasty?

Preparing for open rhinoplasty is vital for a successful operation and recovery process. At this stage, there are many steps the patient needs to pay attention to, and each should be carefully implemented.
Firstly, the patient needs to have a detailed consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the nasal structure is evaluated, and the patient’s expectations from the surgery are clarified. Additionally, medical history and current health problems are reviewed.

Medical tests to be done before surgery are also an important preparation step. The surgeon may request some tests if deemed necessary. These include blood tests, respiratory function tests, and physical examination. Also, recommendations such as discontinuing certain medications and quitting smoking may be given.

Quitting smoking
Discontinuing aspirin and similar blood-thinning medications
Blood tests
Respiratory function tests
Physical examination

On the night before surgery, patients are usually given detailed instructions. If general anesthesia is planned, they are asked to fast for a certain period. Additionally, transportation should be arranged in advance as they cannot drive after surgery.
It is important for the patient to be mentally and psychologically prepared on the day of surgery. The surgeon plans the exact procedure in advance and may organize preoperative 3D modeling sessions in some cases. To create realistic expectations, the patient should be reminded that the recovery process can be long and that some scars may remain.

How Should Post-Open Rhinoplasty Care Be?

Post-open rhinoplasty care should be carefully followed to accelerate the healing process and minimize possible complications. It is very important to follow the surgeon’s recommendations in the postoperative period. There are some important points that the patient should pay attention to during the recovery process:

Keep the head elevated
Avoid blowing the nose
Pay attention to nasal hygiene
Limit physical activities
Cold compress can be applied
Prefer a healthy diet
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Attend follow-up appointments regularly

During this period, touching the surgical area should be avoided, and medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly. Swelling and bruising are usually natural results of the surgery, but these symptoms decrease over time. If wearing glasses is necessary, using lenses instead of glasses may be recommended for a certain period according to the doctor’s advice. The healing process can vary from person to person, so patience is necessary, and communication with the doctor should be maintained. Being careful to protect the nose and support the healing process in the postoperative period contributes to more successful long-term results.

Wie viel kostet Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey?

Die Kosten für Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey liegen typischerweise zwischen 4.500 € und 6.500 €. Die Preise variieren je nach Operationsart, Paketdetails und Krankenhaus, aber die Kosten für Open Rhinoplasty in Istanbul, Turkey sind günstiger als in westlichen Ländern und es ist eine ausgezeichnete Option für eine Operation im Ausland.

Eine Vergleichstabelle der Kosten für Nasenkorrekturen in verschiedenen Ländern

Land	Durchschnittliche Kosten für Nasenkorrekturen im Jahr 2025
Vereinigte Staaten	$15.000 - $30.000
Vereinigtes Königreich	£10.500 - £21.000
Kanada	CAD 14.250 - CAD 28.500
Australien	AUD 22.500 - AUD 45.000
Irland	11.250 € - 22.500 €
Neuseeland	NZD 25.500 - NZD 51.000
Türkei	4.500 € - 6.500 €

Frequently Asked Questions

When is open rhinoplasty preferred?

Open rhinoplasty is typically preferred for situations such as nasal tip modifications, a wide nasal tip, deformities in the nasal septum, post-trauma shape irregularities, nasal valve dysfunctions, repair of septal perforations, major changes requiring tissue grafting, and congenital deformities. This method provides greater visibility, allowing for precise structural changes and graft placements. However, it may leave a scar and requires a longer recovery period.

How does this method differ from closed rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision between the nostrils, providing the surgeon direct access to the tissues beneath the nasal structure. This method is chosen for more complex cases or when significant alterations to the nasal structure are needed, as it offers greater visual clarity and precision in shaping. However, open rhinoplasty may leave a visible scar and has a longer recovery time compared to closed rhinoplasty. In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nose, leaving no external scars, and recovery is usually faster. However, this approach is suitable only for less extensive modifications. Both techniques are selected based on the surgeon’s expertise and the patient’s needs.

Does open rhinoplasty leave a scar?

Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision in the area between the nostrils, which may leave a visible scar. However, this scar typically fades significantly within 3 to 6 months, as facial skin heals well. Most patients are satisfied with their post-operative appearance, and only a small percentage of scars remain noticeable. The type of incision can also affect scar visibility; for example, inverted V-shaped incisions tend to yield better results compared to horizontal cuts. Overall, while there is a risk of scarring after open rhinoplasty, these scars usually diminish over time and are not a major concern for most patients.

What is the recovery process like after open rhinoplasty?

The recovery process following open rhinoplasty is generally characterized more by pressure or congestion in the nasal area rather than severe pain. Swelling and bruising are common, peaking around the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery and subsiding within 2 weeks. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses is recommended. Post-operative nasal congestion may persist for several weeks. Light activities can be resumed after 1 week, but strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Complete healing and the final shape of the nose may take up to 1 year.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?

Open rhinoplasty provides better visibility of nasal structures and is particularly beneficial for complex cases or revision surgeries. However, this method may leave a small, visible scar on the columella and usually requires a longer recovery period, as swelling and tissue trauma may be more pronounced.