How to Prepare for Surgery
Before rhinoplasty:
- Don’t use aspirin or anything containing aspirin for two weeks prior
- Notify us if you get sick, such as with a cold or the flu, in the two weeks before surgery
- Begin takingmulti-vitamins as instructed on the label during the two weeks before rhinoplasty
- Arrange for a spouse or other trusted individual to drive you to and from your surgical appointment, and to stay with you for the first 24 hours following the procedure
- Make sure your prescriptions are filled at least two days prior to surgery
- Take Arnica Montana starting two days before surgery. Arnica can be prepared differently by different manufacturers. Follow the directions on your particular preparation.
- Purchase post-op foods from the grocery store at least two days prior to surgery (crackers, white bread, broth-based soups and other light foods are recommended)
- For cleaning the nasal area, purchase Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, one roll of half-inch paper tape and 4×4″ gauze squares at least two days prior to surgery.
When you wake up, don’t eat or drink anything. You may take specific medicines as instructed by Dr. Schuster. Take the Arnica Montana under the tongue as normal. Wash your face with the Cetaphil again, for three minutes. Don’t wear any makeup or lipstick. Don’t place anything in your hair, such as pins, wigs, hairpieces or any kind of hair accessory. Wear loose clothing that you don’t have to pull over your head. Have your spouse or the other designated individual drive you to your appointment, and make sure they know they’ll need to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours afterward.
How You Will Feel After Surgery
You’ll have a splint over the bridge of your nose after surgery.. There will not be any packing within your nose though occasionally there might be thin splints inside as well. You may feel groggy and tired immediately after rhinoplasty. You’ll start feeling better once you go home and sleep for a while.
While you sleep, you’ll need to keep your head elevated to prevent bruising and swelling. Make light weight ice packs or use an ice compress and hold it against your eyes and cheeks as often as possible during the first 48 hours. Crushed ice works best.
You’ll stick to a liquid diet during that day of surgery. Gradually incorporate light foods till you feel confident about a regular diet, which most people tolerate well the next day.
Expect bloody discharge from your nose for several days. You can change the gauze as it becomes saturated. You must not rub, wipe or blot your nose though. You also cannot sniff or blow your nose for two weeks. Clean the edges of your nostrils with a Q-tip moistened with hydrogen peroxide the day after rhinoplasty. Keep taking the same dose of Arnica Montana at the same frequency until you run out. Come to your follow-up appointment as scheduled to make sure your rhinoplasty recovery stays on track.
Arrange a Consultation with Dr. Ronald Schuster
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ronald Schuster, please call 410-902-9800. In the greater Baltimore area, Dr. Schuster is proud to provide rhinoplasty and other aesthetic procedures to men and women from across the region. Dr. Schuster is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing for many years. He looks forward to meeting you to discuss your options.
