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11

procedures covered

8 wk

timeline per procedure

Do / Avoid / Note

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Recovery guide

Know before you go

11 procedures covered — see exactly what to expect week by week, what to do, and what to avoid.

👃 Rhinoplasty

8-week snapshot · scroll chart if needed

In Istanbul
Rest at home
Light activity
Back to normal
D0
W1
W2
W3
W4
W5
W6
W7
W8
Surgery
Fly home
Back to work
Splint off
Sports OK
Swelling 80% gone
In Istanbul
Rest at home
Light activity
Back to normal

Activity restrictions at a glance

Fly home

OK from: Week 1

Drive

OK from: Week 2

Swimming / sauna

OK from: Week 8

Sun exposure

OK from: 6 months

Days in Turkey

7 days

Back to work

2 weeks

Sports / gym

6 weeks

Full results

12 months

Key care notes

Sleep with head elevated at 45° for the first 3 weeks — this dramatically reduces swelling duration.

Do not blow your nose for 4 weeks. Use saline spray to clear congestion gently.

Avoid direct sun on the nose for 6 months. SPF 50+ is essential — UV darkens healing scars permanently.

Glasses must not rest on the nose bridge for 8 weeks. Use taped or forehead-resting frames.

Timelines are averages. Your surgeon will give you a personalised recovery plan during your free consultation.

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Pre-trip checklist

What to bring to Turkey

Medications & docs

  • Prescription medications (2-week supply)
  • Surgeon's contact number & clinic address
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Passport + 2 photocopies
  • Blood test results (if requested pre-op)

Comfort & recovery

  • Loose, button-front clothing (easy to change)
  • Compression socks for the return flight
  • Travel pillow for the flight home
  • Arnica cream (bruising reduction)
  • Saline nasal spray (surgical cases)

Skin & sun protection

  • SPF 50+ sunscreen (face + body)
  • Sunglasses (UV400 — especially rhinoplasty)
  • Wide-brim hat for outdoor recovery
  • Gentle, unscented moisturiser
  • Aloe vera gel for redness

Devices & comfort

  • Phone charger + European plug adapter
  • Noise-cancelling earphones
  • Downloaded films / audiobooks for rest days
  • Small cooler bag for cold compresses
  • Neck travel pillow (for sleeping post-op)
Expert tips

Things patients wish they'd known

Tell your GP

Inform your home GP before you travel. They'll need your Turkish surgeon's notes for follow-up prescriptions.

Book the right flight

Always book a flexible return ticket. Recovery varies — having the option to extend your stay saves stress.

Pre-op telemedicine

A 20-min video call with your surgeon before you travel lets you ask every question in your own language.

Photo your progress

Weekly photos from the same angle in the same light are the best way to track swelling reduction over months.

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Get a personalised recovery plan
from your own surgeon

These guides cover averages. A free 20-minute video call with your actual surgeon will give you a plan specific to your health, technique and timeline.