Rhinoplasty in Istanbul · Day 10 of 10
Day 10 after rhinoplasty in Istanbul
Most patients are cleared to fly around now. Swelling will keep going down for weeks; full refinement takes up to a year.
Today's rules
Knocks, crowds and pressure
Protect the nose from any knock. Avoid crowds, packed trams and boisterous places. Glasses and sunglasses must not press on the bridge.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Head position and lifting
Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping. No heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks and no bending over.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Sun
Minimise sun exposure: shade, indoor sights and a wide hat. Sun on a swollen nose can prolong swelling and mark the skin.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Exercise
Gentle walking only. Light exercise starts at 4 to 6 weeks.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Swimming, hammam and sauna
No swimming, steam or sauna while the splint is on and swelling is high. Ask your surgeon when to restart.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · Cleveland Clinic
Blowing your nose
Do not blow your nose. Sneeze through your mouth if you can.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Flying home
Most packages fly patients home after the splint is removed. Confirm with your surgeon, walk on long flights and drink water.
Source: Cleveland Clinic · NHS
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
4 things you can do today
Bosphorus dinner cruise with show
An evening of seated dinner, folk dance and city lights from the water. Drinks are optional; you can ask for soft drinks only.
Seated, indoors, about 3 hours
Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Two hours on the water past palaces, mansions and both bridges. Pick a seat in the covered cabin or the shaded side of the deck.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 2 hours
Nargile café in Tophane
Tea, backgammon and water pipes. Atmospheric, and full of smoke.
Seated, shaded or covered, about 1.5 hours
Dolmabahçe Palace
Guided rooms of chandeliers and staircases. Mostly indoors, but it is an hour or more on your feet.
A few hours on foot with breaks, indoors, about 2 hours
Also fine today: Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Whirling dervish ceremony · Turkish cooking class · Pera Museum · Istanbul Archaeology Museums
2 things to skip today
Basilica Cistern
Why not: Dense crowds where you could be knocked.
Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Hagia Sophia
Why not: Too long in direct sun for this stage. Dense crowds where you could be knocked.
Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
Where to eat today
- Simit from a street cart. The sesame bread ring Istanbul runs on. Crunchy.
- Esnaf lokantası lunch. Tradesmen's canteens serve soups, stews, rice and vegetable dishes from steam trays. Point at what you want. Let soup cool if you have had dental work.
- Mantı in Kadıköy or Beşiktaş. Tiny dumplings under garlic yogurt and chilli butter. Ask for the butter on the side if you need it mild.
Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates