Rhinoplasty in Istanbul · Day 4 of 10

Day 4 after rhinoplasty in Istanbul

Pain usually eases within a few days to a week. A short, slow outing to a quiet, cool place is a good test.

Today's rules

Not today

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

Not today

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

Not today

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

With care

Exercise

Gentle walking only. Light exercise starts at 4 to 6 weeks.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

Not today

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

Not today

Blowing your nose

Do not blow your nose. Sneeze through your mouth if you can.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

Not today

Flying home

Plan to stay until your surgeon has removed the splint and checked the nose, usually 7 to 10 days.

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

  • Istanbul Modern and the Karaköy waterfront

    Turkish modern art in a cool, airy building on the water, with a café looking at the old city.

    Gentle walking, indoors, about 2 hours

  • Whirling dervish ceremony

    A one-hour seated sema ceremony in a historic hall in Sirkeci. Quiet, indoor and in the evening.

    Seated, indoors, about 1 hour

  • 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

  • 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

Also fine today: Public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy · Nargile café in Tophane · Pierre Loti cable car and tea garden · Istanbul Archaeology Museums · Turkish cooking class · Pera Museum

2 things to skip today

  • Turkish hammam

    Why not: It means steam, hot water or sauna heat.

    Not during the 10 days this guide covers. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.

  • Grand Bazaar

    Why not: 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

  • Turkish breakfast in Beşiktaş. A long, seated spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey and bread on the Çarşı breakfast street.
  • Meze and fish at a meyhane. Beyoğlu taverns serve dozens of small plates. Rakı is traditional; you can skip it.
  • Kebab and lahmacun. Adana kebab, lahmacun and pide in Fatih or Kadıköy. Spicy and chewy.

Put every day of this guide in your calendar, with your dates

Questions people ask