When do you recommend a nose surgery?

Host: Nose surgery has become quite common nowadays. Since the nose is the most prominent feature of the face, many people consider it. In what cases do you recommend rhinoplasty?

Dr. Ersan: Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic surgeries worldwide — second only to eyelid surgery globally, but the most common one in Turkey. We generally divide patients into two groups:

• Functional group: Those who have difficulty breathing and want to improve nasal appearance during correction.
• Aesthetic group: Those who breathe normally but are not satisfied with how their nose looks.

In both cases, we focus on balancing aesthetic expectations with functional health.

Why nasal function matters

Dr. Ersan: For a nose to be considered beautiful, it must first function properly. We conduct detailed examinations, sometimes including CT scans, to fully understand the patient’s nasal structure and breathing performance before surgery.

“I want this celebrity’s nose” — how realistic is that?

Host: Many patients bring photos of celebrities and say “I want this nose.” How do you approach this?

Dr. Ersan: It’s a common scenario, but every face and every nose is unique. Social media filters and Photoshop can distort expectations. We design a nose that fits the individual’s facial proportions — it’s never about copying someone else’s look.

Facial ratios and the “golden ratio” in rhinoplasty

Host: Are there concepts like the golden ratio in rhinoplasty? Do you apply the same standards to every face?

Dr. Ersan: Not at all. Each person’s facial structure, skin thickness, and ethnicity affect nasal design. Some patients require reduction, others augmentation. The key is creating harmony with the rest of the face — that’s real beauty.

Using cartilage grafts for nasal augmentation

Host: Do you use cartilage when enlarging or reshaping the nose?

Dr. Ersan: Yes. When we need structural support or volume, we use cartilage grafts from the ear or rib. These are shaped and placed where needed during the same operation.

Open, closed, preservation and ultrasonic techniques

Host: There are different surgical techniques — open, closed, preservation, ultrasonic. How do you decide which one to use?

Dr. Ersan: There isn’t a single “best” method. Each technique has its strengths. The decision depends on nasal anatomy, skin type, desired correction, and breathing concerns. A skilled surgeon must be fluent in all major methods to select the right one for each patient.

Post-surgery recovery process

Host: How is the recovery process? When can patients return to daily life?

Dr. Ersan: The first week is crucial. Splints and tampons are removed, and thanks to modern materials, swelling and bruising are minimal. Patients often resume normal social life after a week to ten days. Full healing of the nasal tissue takes around six months, with final refinement visible within one year for thicker skin types.

Does season affect surgery results?

Host: Are there seasonal restrictions for rhinoplasty?

Dr. Ersan: Not really. The surgery can be performed any time of year. What’s important is rest during the first 10 days and following medical instructions, especially avoiding strong sunlight and properly managing glasses or eyewear use.

Revision rhinoplasty — when is it needed?

Host: Can revision surgery sometimes be necessary?

Dr. Ersan: Perfection isn’t guaranteed in any rhinoplasty. Small revisions may be needed in a few percent of cases. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible result the first time, but it’s crucial to discuss the revision possibility beforehand with every patient.

Correcting breathing issues

Host: How do you address breathing problems during nose surgery?

Dr. Ersan: With today’s minimally invasive techniques, we preserve nasal anatomy while improving airflow. Many Turkish patients have unnoticed septal deviations. During surgery, we correct these while reshaping the nose for both functional and aesthetic improvement.

Combining rhinoplasty with other facial procedures

Host: Can rhinoplasty be combined with other operations?

Dr. Ersan: We consider the face holistically. However, if the patient only wants rhinoplasty, suggesting additional operations isn’t ethical. If both sides agree, procedures like eyelid surgery or fat grafting can be combined safely during the same anesthesia session after thorough discussion.