Stage 1 — Pre-consultation
Initial enquiry and photographs
Send 5-angle nasal photographs (frontal, both lateral profiles, both obliques) plus a basal view via WhatsApp or email. Brief description of your concerns and goals. Initial photographic review allows preliminary technique recommendation and approximate cost estimate within 24 hours. No commitment — this is information gathering for both surgeon and patient.
Stage 2 — Week -8 to -4
Detailed virtual consultation
Video call with Dr. Erdal directly (60-90 minutes). Detailed history including aesthetic goals, functional concerns, prior trauma or surgery, medical history, athletic profile, recovery support, lifestyle factors. Review of photographs in real-time. Specific technique discussion: preservation versus structural approach, expected outcomes, realistic timeline, total cost. Cooling-off period afterward.
Stage 3 — Week -4 to -2
Pre-operative preparation
Smoking cessation verification (4-6 weeks minimum). Medication review and adjustments. Pre-operative tests sent from home (CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation studies, ECG over 40 or with cardiac history). Itinerary planning: flights, hotel coordination, surgery date confirmation. Pre-operative skin optimisation if indicated (retinoids for
thick-skinned patients).
Stage 4 — Day -1
Arrival in Istanbul
VIP airport transfer to clinic-coordinated hotel in Nişantaşı (5-star, walking distance to clinic). In-person consultation with Dr. Erdal at the clinic. Final examination, photographic documentation, surgical plan confirmation. Anaesthesia consultation. Pre-operative tests reviewed. Final cost confirmation. Consent signing.
Stage 5 — Day 0
Surgery (2-3 hours)
Admission to JCI-accredited hospital. General anaesthesia with experienced anaesthesia team. Surgery 2-3 hours typical for
preservation rhinoplasty (longer for combined
septorhinoplasty or revision). Recovery in PACU then private room. Overnight observation. Family member can stay if desired.
Stage 6 — Day 1
First post-operative day
Hospital discharge to hotel after morning surgical review. External splint in place. Internal soft splints if used. Significant facial swelling and bruising around eyes (peaks Day 2-3, resolves over 10-14 days). Pain managed with paracetamol and NSAID; opioid rescue rarely needed beyond Day 1-2. Sleep elevated, on back only. Direct WhatsApp access to surgical team.
Stage 7 — Day 7
Splint removal and fly home
Return to clinic for splint removal. First look at the new dorsum (still swollen). Photographic documentation. Surgeon clears for flight home. VIP transfer to airport. Continued WhatsApp follow-up. Compression on flight, hydration, paracetamol if needed.
Stage 8 — Months 1-3
Early healing phase
Photographic follow-up at intervals (Day 14, 21, Month 1, 3). Visible swelling decreasing — external nose looking close to final shape by Month 3. Tip definition still emerging. Activity progression: walking from Day 3, light cardio Week 2, light strength Week 4, heavy lifting Week 6-8, contact sports Week 8-12. Direct surgeon access for any concerns.
Stage 9 — Months 6-12
Refinement and final result
Tip swelling resolving slowly — final definition typically at 6-12 months (12-18 months for thick-skinned patients).
FACE-Q questionnaire collection at 3, 6, and 12 months. Final photographic comparison with pre-op. Long-term shape monitoring. Annual follow-up thereafter as desired. Revision rate at this practice: under 5% (modern target with preservation technique).
Direct surgeon access throughout
WhatsApp contact with Dr. Erdal directly is available throughout the journey — from initial photographic enquiry through 12-month follow-up. Most international patients describe this access as the single most reassuring element of the pathway. Questions get answered same-day; concerns get addressed within hours; photographic follow-up is reviewed personally rather than by an assistant.
What is included in the all-inclusive package
All-inclusive standard preservation rhinoplasty package
- Surgeon's fee (Dr. Erdal directly)
- JCI-accredited hospital fees including operating theatre and 1-night stay
- Anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist fees
- Pre-operative tests sent from home
- VIP airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- 5-star hotel coordination 5-7 nights
- External splint and tape
- Internal soft splints if used
- All in-Istanbul follow-up visits
- Splint removal and final review
- 12-month remote follow-up via WhatsApp
- Photographic follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months
- Kenalog injection during follow-up if needed
- Revision included if needed within stated period
Frequently asked journey questions
How long should I plan to stay in Istanbul?
Minimum 7 nights — covers the highest-risk early period for wound complications, splint removal at Day 7, and pre-flight clearance. Some patients stay 8-10 nights for additional buffer; longer is generally safer than shorter for the cost of a few additional hotel nights. The hotel and transfers are included in the package.
Can my partner or family member accompany me?
Yes — many international patients travel with a partner or family member for support. Hotel accommodation can be coordinated for the additional person at a modest extra cost. A family member can stay overnight in the hospital private room on the surgery day if desired.
What happens if I have a complication after returning home?
Most early concerns are managed remotely — direct WhatsApp contact with Dr. Erdal allows real-time photographic and video review. Minor wound issues, dressing questions, activity clearance questions are answered directly. For serious concerns, your local GP or A&E provides front-line care; documentation is provided to share with local clinicians. Revision if needed is typically at this practice (often included).