Pre and Post-Operative Instructions for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery

Please read these instructions before and after your surgery. Carefully following these guidelines will help you obtain the best possible result. Take this list with you on the day of surgery so you can begin following the instructions that day. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. We want you to have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery)

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), Vitamin E, or any medications containing these compounds for two weeks before surgery.
Refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Nicotine and tobacco smoke delays healing and can result in scarring. This is the perfect time to give up the habit.
Avoid sun damage two weeks before surgery-wear sunscreen daily (SPF 20 or greater).
Have your prescriptions filled prior to the day of surgery.
Purchase saline nasal spray from a pharmacy (Brand names: Ocean, Ayr, generic is OK). This will be used after your surgery.
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive or leave alone.

On the day before Surgery

You may be given an approximate time for your surgery at your clinic visit. On the day before surgery you will receive a phone call informing you of the exact time to report to the surgery center.

If your surgery is scheduled at KUMed West, you will receive a phone call from the surgery staff there. If you have not heard from them by 12 noon, you may reach them by calling 913-588-8410.

If your surgery is scheduled at KU Hospital, you will receive a call from Michelle Young, the Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery Coordinator. If you have not received a call by 12 noon, you may reach her by calling 913-588-6741.

Day of Surgery

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, the morning of surgery.
Wear loose-fitting clothes that fasten in front or back. Avoid slipover clothing.
Leave all valuables at home; do not wear jewelry.
Do not wear any facial or eye make-up. Avoid nail polish.
You may wear glasses but do not wear contact lens.
If you wear dentures, keep them in.

Post-Operative Care

Change dressing under nose (if present) until drainage stops.
Do not blow your nose for two weeks. You may sniff back forcefully, but no nose blowing. If you must sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open.
You will have nasal packs that will be removed either before you leave the surgery center or the day after your surgery.
Keep the nasal lining tissues moist with nasal saline spray; 2 puffs per nostril 4-6 times or more per day will promote healing and provide comfort.
Keep your head elevated for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.
Iced gauze pads should be applied to the eyes and the cheek for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and discoloration.
Avoid foods requiring prolonged chewing and avoid excessive facial movements for one week.
Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation of upper lip to keep nose at rest.
The nasal cast will be removed after 5-7 days at your follow-up appointment. Do not disturb it.
Keep it dry; if it gets wet, gently pat it dry. You may wash your face if you avoid the dressing.
Avoid extreme physical activity including athletic activities and intercourse. You may resume light walking three days after surgery. Aerobic exercise, weight training, heavy lifting, and straining may be gradually resumed three weeks after surgery. Don’t swim for one month since injuries are common during swimming.
Absolutely avoid sun exposure, sun lamps, or tanning beds for six weeks after surgery. Heat may cause your nose to swell.
Do not wear regular glasses or sunglasses that rest on the bridge of your nose for at least 4 weeks. We will instruct you on how to tape the glasses to your forehead to avoid pressure on your nose. Contact lenses may be worn the day after surgery.
Don’t be concerned if the nose, eyes, and upper lip show some swelling after removal of the dressing – this usually resolves within 7 to 14 days. In certain patients, it may require six months for all swelling to completely subside.
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor.
After the doctor removes your cast, the skin of your nose may be gently cleansed with a mild soap. Makeup may be worn as soon as the cast is removed. Any discoloration may be covered using one of the cover-up products available through our office. If you have questions, regarding makeup, we will be happy to assist you.
DON’T TAKE CHANCES! If you are concerned about anything you consider significant, call us during office hours at (913) 588-0101. After office hours or on the weekend call (913) 588-6701.