The Ultimate Guide to Rhinoplasty

Last fact-checked: 31 August 2020

Considering rhinoplasty abroad? You're not alone. A growing number of people seeking nose jobs are swapping their home country for a destination where the surgical expertise in the best clinics is just as good—but for a much lower cost.

Nose reshaping is one of the most popular procedures to have overseas and we have helped thousands of patients save up to 80% in attractive locations including Thailand, Mexico, the Philippines, Turkey, and South Korea. 

Find how you can book your treatment at one of our background-checked clinics and secure the best prices online. 

Am I Suitable for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery could be an option if you:

• Are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose
• Want to alter the angle of your nose for aesthetic purposes
• Want to even out a nasal bump or correct a particular abnormality
• Experience breathing problems due to its formation
• Have suffered an injury and want to make corrections (often to straighten the nose)

You will want to consider some of the cons of rhinoplasty, which is irreversible once you have had the surgery. Obviously, the nose is in the middle of your face and surgery may dramatically alter your look. It may take time for you, and other people, to adjust. You may have scars at the base of your nose depending on the type of surgery, or you may develop skin problems associated with grafting materials.

Before and After Instructions

Your surgeon will consult with you on your desires for a new nose, and provide you with thorough instructions on what to do pre and post-operation to help aid your recovery. Before surgery, the following recommendations will help:

• Stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery. This will help with the healing as smoking restricts blood flow.
• Stop taking aspirin or other medicines which cause increased bleeding.
• Eat healthy, nutritious food during the weeks leading up to your surgery and ensure you are well hydrated; this helps speed up the healing process.

After your rhinoplasty surgery, you should arrange for someone to pick you up as you won’t be able to drive (this can be a friend, family member or privately booked service if traveling alone). It is also a good idea to have somebody stay with you on the first night after your operation.

You will also be advised to:

• Avoid strenuous activities, including sports, including aerobics or jogging
• Avoid blowing your nose
• Take a shower instead of a bath if you have bandages on
• Be gentle when brushing your teeth and limit movement of the upper lip
• Avoid pressure to the nose, and try and limit extreme facial expressions, such as laughing or resting glasses on your nose.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty is tailor-made for each individual and it doesn’t have a set series of steps applied to everyone (as everybody’s nose and cosmetic goals are different).

Depending on the anatomy and aims of the person undergoing the operation, the surgeon may use a small incision at the base of the nose or inside the nose; the cartilage or your nasal bone can then be augmented in several ways, depending on your specific circumstances.

Learn more about what rhinoplasty surgery entails here.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Time

You must follow the recommendations your surgeon gives you, and it is important to recognize that recovery time varies among individuals.

Surgical packing inside your nose will be removed between four and seven days after surgery and the bandages and splint within a week to 10 days. The swelling and bruising take around two weeks before it subsides, and you can usually return to work then. Most normal activities can be resumed in three weeks, including low-impact, gentle exercise.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost Abroad?

Prices do vary, depending on where you go and what your specific surgery entails. Most patients are able to save at least 50% on rhinoplasty prices abroad and some patients save up to 80%. For example, compared to around $9,000 in the United States…

• In Mexico rhinoplasty is around $3,000
• In Thailand rhinoplasty costs around $2,500
• In Turkey, prices start from around EUR 2,000

How Can I be Sure of the Quality of Rhinoplasty Treatment Abroad?

There are ways to ensure you find a reliable and trustworthy surgeon by doing a little research. Check out rhinoplasty reviews from former patients, as well as checking out clinic accreditation, professional memberships and qualifications.

To maximize your safety, booking with Medical Departures makes sense. As one of the world's leading online medical travel agencies, Medical Departures helps thousands of patients every year obtain affordable, high-quality medical care abroad. 

We also perform a number of background checks, verifying doctor qualifications, experience and professional affiliations to ensure you can rely on their expertise.

Getting Started

Check out clinic facilities, before & after photos, surgeon profiles and past patient reviews at these leading clinics around the world for nose jobs:

• Op. Dr. Rahmi Evinc - Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist (Izmir, Turkey)
• Bellamode Clinic (Bangkok, Thailand)
• Advanced Health Medical Center (Tijuana, Mexico)

Sources:

Cosmetic Surgery for the Nose. WebMD. Website accessed: 9 March 2020. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-nose-job-rhinoplasty

The Rhinoplasty Society. Website accessed: 9 March 2020. https://www.rhinoplastysociety.org/

Rhinoplasty. Mayo Clinic. Website accessed: 9 March 2020.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532

Cardellino, Carly. 18 Things Your Nose Shape Says About You. Cosmopolitan. 14 November 2016.  https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a8277930/different-nose-shapes/