Rhinoplasty remains one of the most complex and in-demand procedures in aesthetic surgery, where not only technical skills matter, but also a sense of proportion and an individualized approach to each patient. In this interview, we speak with Dr. Ergin Er about modern nasal correction techniques, the specifics of open rhinoplasty, result simulation, and the recovery process. This is a conversation about how a natural nasal shape is created, taking into account anatomy, patient expectations, and extensive surgical experience.
Dr. Ergin Er is an experienced plastic and aesthetic surgeon from Istanbul with more than 30 years of clinical practice. He has performed thousands of successful surgeries and is recognized as a specialist focused on stable and predictable results. His professional interests include facial and body procedures, including rhinoplasty, breast surgery, and body contouring.
The interview was conducted by Maria Chabdaeva, head of Beauty by Experts Medical, a company that helps patients access the world’s leading plastic surgeons.
- Good morning, Dr. Ergin Er. Thank you very much for meeting with us today and for many years of cooperation, as well as for all our happy patients.
Good morning. Thank you.
- Could you please tell us more about yourself? What is your medical practice focused on, and what types of surgeries do you perform?
I received my medical education in Ankara, after which I completed my residency at the Military Medical Academy. During this period, I performed a wide range of reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries. After finishing my residency, I spent one year in the United States completing a postdoctoral research and clinical fellowship aimed at deepening my knowledge and improving my skills in plastic and aesthetic surgery. For the past 23 years, I have been working in private practice, mainly in the field of aesthetic surgery.
- What kind of training did you complete in the United States?
It was not a residency. I had already completed my residency earlier. In the United States, I underwent a postdoctoral fellowship focused on research in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. At the same time, I attended specialized aesthetic surgery courses, where I studied techniques of breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty with leading American surgeons. I observed surgeries and in some cases participated in them, which significantly enhanced my professional skills. As I mentioned, I have 23 years of experience in aesthetic surgery.
- Which operations do you enjoy performing?
My main specialization is aesthetic surgery, so it is difficult to single out specific “favorite” procedures. If we talk about the most common ones, they are breast augmentation and rhinoplasty, as these are the most in demand. I also perform facial surgeries, including facelift and neck lift procedures, although they are less frequent. In most cases, patients seek nasal correction or breast augmentation.
- Regarding rhinoplasty, what technique do you use?
I prefer open rhinoplasty because the difference between open and closed techniques is the incision in the columella area, which leaves a very subtle scar. With the open approach, I can clearly see all cartilage and bone structures, make precise corrections, and immediately evaluate the result.
- How do you and the patient decide what the nose shape should be?
Sometimes patients bring photos of their desired result. I carefully review them, not to replicate the exact shape, but to understand the patient’s expectations. It is important to assess whether these expectations are realistic. I know my capabilities, as I have been working in aesthetic surgery for 23 years, and I explain to the patient what result we can realistically achieve.
The nose shape depends on three factors: the patient’s anatomy, their expectations, and my surgical expertise. If there is agreement between these three aspects, we proceed with the surgery.
- Do you use photographs or simulation software?
Yes, we use simulation software. I analyze the patient’s photos and create a preliminary visualization. The patient can express their wishes, and I explain what is realistically achievable. We are not robots, and the limits of the operating room exist.
I try to bring the result as close as possible to the simulation, but healing also plays a major role, which we cannot fully control. Therefore, simulation helps us align the patient’s expectations with what is medically possible.
- How close is the final result usually to the simulation?
In most cases, the result matches the simulation by approximately 90%.
- How long does it take for the final result to look like the simulation?
The final outcome after rhinoplasty becomes visible in 6 to 9 months. Immediately after surgery, there is swelling, and both bone and soft tissue healing processes are ongoing. Full recovery is completed during this period, and only then does the patient see the planned result.
- Do you elevate the nasal tip during surgery?
Yes, we slightly over-rotate the nasal tip because we know it will drop a little over time. This is taken into account in advance.
- When can patients breathe normally after surgery?
During the first week, a special nasal splint is placed inside the nose. If the patient can clear the area and breathe, nasal breathing is possible, but this is not always easy. After one week, the splint is removed and breathing is restored.
Swelling should also be considered, which gradually decreases over 4 to 6 months. After that, patients can breathe freely through the nose.
- How many rhinoplasties do you perform per year?
It is difficult to count precisely, but it is a very large number — around 1,000 surgeries per year.
- How many revision surgeries do you perform?
It does happen. In rhinoplasty, some patients may require revision surgery. This can involve scar correction, minor reshaping, or slight elevation of the nasal tip. Usually, such cases account for about 5%.
- Thank you very much.
You are always welcome. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
How to travel to Turkey for rhinoplasty with Dr. Ergin Er?
Beauty by Experts Medical works exclusively with verified clinics and experienced plastic surgeons. All medical centers undergo a strict selection process, meet international safety standards, and are equipped with modern technology. The selection of specialists is carried out under the supervision of Maria Chabdaeva, taking into account the doctor’s experience and clinical outcomes.
To organize a trip for rhinoplasty in Turkey with Dr. Ergin Er, it is enough to contact the coordinators of Beauty by Experts Medical or submit an online request. The specialists will assist with an initial consultation, photo analysis, document preparation, and will fully organize the treatment process and patient support.
