Patient journey
Structured pathway from initial WhatsApp consultation through 12-month follow-up. Direct surgeon access throughout — no call centre intermediation. Travel typically 7-8 nights in Istanbul; remote follow-up via WhatsApp at scheduled photo intervals.
Initial Consultation
Send 5 anatomic photographs (front, right profile, left profile, basal/worm's-eye, smiling) plus a brief history (concerns, prior surgery, breathing problems, athletic activity, allergies) via WhatsApp. Direct surgeon-to-patient response within 24-48 hours with technique recommendation, candidate assessment, indicative cost. No call centre intermediation.
Surgical Plan
If candidate, a structured plan is sent: technique (open vs closed, with rationale), specific grafts anticipated (spreader, columellar strut, tip refinement), expected operative time, hospital choice. Specific aesthetic goals discussed in writing — masculinity preservation, dorsal contour, tip definition, nasolabial angle target. Written exchange creates a clear record.
Travel Arrangements
Hotel near the clinic, VIP airport transfer, surgery date confirmation. Hotel options provided in different price tiers. Travel companion accommodation arrangement if applicable. Pre-operative tests organised — typically blood work and ECG can be done at home or on arrival.
Pre-operative Day
Arrival in Istanbul. Airport pickup. Hotel check-in. In-person consultation with Dr. Erdal at the clinic — physical examination, photography, final plan confirmation, signature of informed consent. Pre-operative tests confirmed if not done at home. Pre-op fasting instructions for the next morning.
Operation Day
Arrival at JCI-accredited hospital. Anaesthesia consultation. Surgery typically 2-4 hours for primary rhinoplasty, longer for complex revision or septorhinoplasty with extensive grafting. Recovery in private room. Hospital stay typically 1 night for routine rhinoplasty, 2 nights for septorhinoplasty or revision with rib graft. Mild pain managed with paracetamol; opioid rarely needed.
Day 7 Splint Removal
Splint and any sutures removed. Photo session for documentation. Initial 'reveal' is meaningful but not final — most patients have residual swelling for weeks to months. Taping demonstrated for home application. Cleared for flight home. The bruising and swelling peak around Day 3-5 and substantially improves by Day 7-10.
Month 1-3 Remote Follow-up
Photo follow-up via WhatsApp at Months 1, 2, and 3. Continued taping protocol (daily for thick skin, weeks 2-8). Most public-facing professional activity comfortable from Week 3. Athletic return staged — light cardio Week 3, strength training Week 6, contact sports Week 12. By Month 3, approximately 60-70% of swelling resolved.
Month 6-12 Long-term Follow-up
Photo follow-up at Months 6, 9, and 12. Continued resolution of swelling — particularly important for thick-skin patients where the supratip area continues to refine. Direct WhatsApp access to Dr. Erdal throughout. By Month 12, approximately 90-95% of final result visible. Annual photo updates welcome thereafter for long-term tracking.
Revision (if needed)
If revision is needed (typically 5-10% of cases industry-wide), wait minimum 12 months from primary surgery. Revision typically performed at the original practice. Cost typically reduced from primary in case of practice-driven revision; at primary cost if patient-driven preference change. Most revisions are minor refinements rather than major re-operations.
Begin with a consultation
Send 5 photographs (front, profiles, basal, smiling) and a brief history. Direct surgeon response within 24-48 hours.
WhatsApp Dr. Erdal