My recommendation for rhinoplasty in Istanbul – a cosmetic treatment combined with a city break

For a long time, my nose had been bothering me. At some point I started researching on the internet to get an idea of what to expect from surgery. First, I found a clinic in Switzerland where I had my initial consultation. Everything sounded wonderful and trustworthy, but the price was quite high. Although I could have afforded it, I did not want to commit to the first offer straightaway. Since I knew from people around me that some had undergone cosmetic procedures abroad, I wanted to obtain a comparison offer. This is how I discovered MedicalTravel, among others. I read through the information and did a lot of research and comparisons online. Everywhere more or less the same was written, so I decided to attend a non-binding consultation with MedicalTravel to hear more about it. Registration and communication with MedicalTravel (Mr Kara) were very straightforward and efficient via WhatsApp.

At the consultation in Zug, Mr Kayiran (who speaks Turkish and English), the doctor who would operate on me, as well as a translator (who speaks German and Turkish) were present. My companion and I were able to ask all our questions and it was an informative exchange. There were only two situations during the otherwise excellent conversation that caused me slight concern: on the one hand, the attitude that everything was no problem at all and everything was possible and doable (at least that is how I perceived it), which did not feel particularly reassuring to me; and on the other hand, an unsatisfactory answer to my question about which surgical technique (closed or open) he would use in my case. The doctor from my first consultation in the Swiss clinic had explained the pros and cons and justified his approach with one specific technique in relation to my nose. I would have appreciated something similar here. Apart from that, I left the conversation with a positive impression and felt good about the idea of being treated by Mr Kayiran in Istanbul. I had informed myself well, and therefore the two reactions mentioned did not change my decision; on the contrary, I still found the overall package offered by MedicalTravel interesting and appealing. I gave myself some time to think and a few days after the consultation I received an offer and the first pieces of information about the procedure.

Personally, I preferred the idea of combining a cosmetic treatment with a city trip. I would rather be abroad, where nobody knows me, when I am walking around with a bandage (and in Istanbul you definitely do not stand out because of that). The fact that it was possible to contact the translator and the doctor at any time during my stay in Istanbul also gave me a safe and reassuring feeling.

I then decided to accept the offer from MedicalTravel and told myself: so many people travel abroad for such treatments and return satisfied. MedicalTravel organises these trips on a daily basis, and the doctors can present good references and experience. Of course, the very attractive price-performance ratio also contributed to choosing this offer over another.

Once the details had been clarified, the mediation contract signed and the deposit paid, the departure day drew closer. After my companion and I landed on a Tuesday evening and found our driver, we were driven directly to the hospital together with two other MedicalTravel patients (blood test and Covid test). Afterwards, we were taken to the hotel.

The hotel accommodates many guests on such cosmetic trips, so you never stand out at any time if you are wearing a bandage. It has an ideal location close to the centre of Kadiköy, although the neighbourhood itself is not the most beautiful, which did not bother us at all. The main focus of this stay was the treatment. The rooms were clean, the staff were always very friendly and the food was excellent. We had a very pleasant stay and I felt comfortable throughout.

The next day (Wednesday) we were driven from the hotel to the hospital in the morning and further examinations (anaesthesia) began. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of having a small breakfast, which slightly disrupted the surgery schedule for the day, so my operation had to be postponed by a few hours (at least six hours on an empty stomach – oops). As a result, the discussion before the operation was unfortunately kept rather brief (at least that is how it felt, perhaps due to the commotion I caused by eating breakfast). Nevertheless, I would have wished for a more detailed exchange (for example, I had expected a computer image simulation and not just photos on a mobile phone; back in Zug it was only a rough simulation on an iPad and that had been a few months earlier).
Once all my questions about the procedure had been answered, uncertainties cleared up and I had expressed my wishes regarding my nose, I was prepared for surgery and soon taken into the operating theatre. Surprisingly, I was hardly nervous and placed complete trust in Mr Kayiran, his skills and his team. A few hours later, when I woke up in the recovery room, I was taken directly to my room where my companion was waiting for me. Mr Kayiran and the interpreter were also there and informed me that everything had gone well and without complications. I stayed in the hospital for the first night and was well looked after by the friendly staff (Google Translate helped a lot with the language barrier). I did not have any pain at all, only a slight pressure in the forehead and nasal bone area. I was regularly given cooling ice packs, which was very pleasant and helped to reduce and minimise the swelling.

The next day (Thursday), Mr Kayiran came by again with the interpreter, and afterwards I was transferred back to the hotel, where I spent most of the next two days lying down and sleeping. These two days were the most exhausting. I still did not feel any pain, but the area around my eyes swelled up, turned from purple to yellow, and my eyes were very watery. As I had to breathe constantly through my mouth, it became dry, so I always needed something to drink to moisten my mouth and lips. I also counteracted the swelling with ice packs, so that by the third day after the operation (Saturday) I looked reasonably normal again. On that day, the nasal tampons were removed from my nostrils, which was briefly uncomfortable. It was a real relief when these tampons were taken out and the first feeling of pressure on my nose disappeared. On that day, I felt sufficiently recovered and strong enough to take my first short walk around the Kadiköy district. Two days later, on Monday, the plaster splint was removed. I saw my new nose completely for the first time and it already looked very different from the photo shown to me after the operation. As he reassured me that my nose would remain swollen for a while and would continue to change, I felt relieved. After that, I left the hospital feeling satisfied and confident. Following two further nights, my companion and I were taken back to the airport and returned home.

It has now been three weeks since I was on the operating table. Because it has only been a short time, I cannot yet speak of a final result. However, I already quite like my nose. The difference is clearly visible, and it is astonishing how quickly everything has healed and the swelling has gone down. The aspects I wanted corrected have been changed and I now have a beautifully natural nose shape. I notice every day that breathing through my nose is becoming easier, the movement of the nostrils and my face in general no longer hurts or feels uncomfortable, and gentle blowing of my nose is possible again. The tip of my nose is still sensitive and slightly raised (a minimal piggy-nose effect), which should hopefully continue to improve and change over the coming months. The tip of the nose is said to be the last part to change and for the swelling to go down.

I am therefore confident and still curious to see how my nose will continue to change over the coming weeks and months. As of today, I can certainly say that I am absolutely satisfied with my decision. Everything went smoothly, was well and uncomplicatedly organised, and everyone involved was always friendly and helpful. In a month I will meet Mr Kayiran again in Zug and I am excited to see what my nose will look like by then.

Dominique B.

Florence Nightingale Hospital Istanbul with Associate Professor Dr Oguz Kayiran

22.02.2022 – 02.03.2022 (OP am 23.02.2022)