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1 Week Pre - Op

Now that we are one week away from your procedure, please begin following the instructions below:  

 

  • Continue to avoid blood thinner medication and herbal supplements

  • Avoid alcohol consumption (alcohol is a blood thinner and can dilate the nose)

  • Remove nail polish or acrylic nails from at least 1 finger (If removing one finger, please remove on your pointer finger).
    This is required by the surgery center so that they can monitor your oxygen during your procedure. 

You can also refer to this video link: Pre-Op Instructions- 1 week before your procedure

 

REMINDER: Make sure that you have gathered all of the materials listed below:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide 

  • Bacitracin (antibiotic ointment) to keep on incisions at all times

  • Q-tips

  • Gauze (4x4s) 

  • Ice/frozen peas 

  • Exam gloves (for icing technique) 

  • Nasal saline spray

2 Days Pre - Op

Your surgery is just 2 days away! Below are a few more reminders and a video link to help you further prepare.

Pre-Op Instructions- 2 days before your procedure

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  • Continue to avoid blood thinner medications, herbal supplements, and alcohol.

  • Start avoiding caffeine 2 days before and 2 days after your surgery. 

  • You can begin taking Arnica and Bromelain supplements to help prevent bruising and swelling after surgery. You can purchase these over the counter.

  • Get your room ready for your recovery. Stock up on movies and books to keep you entertained. In the first few days after surgery. You do not have to remain on bedrest but you'll want to limit your activity. 

  • Have your supplies ready- ice packs, prescriptions filled, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, etc. 

 

Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions!

1 Day Pre - Op

As you prepare for your surgery tomorrow, we have listed a video link and a few reminders below. 

Do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to surgery including water; any food or water left in stomach can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia. Taping a sign to the fridge as a reminder is helpful.

If you have not already picked up your prescriptions, please do so and bring them with you unopened to your procedure and  you will take them with a nurse present morning of.

Have ice ready at home for your recovery! Small ice packs / frozen peas will work.

Arrive to surgery with a clean face, no finger nail polish, no jewelry, and no colognes/perfumes. (For sterile purposes, male patients must shave beard hair the morning of surgery). 
If you wear glasses/contacts- wear your glasses into the office day of, you will be able to wear your glasses on top of your cast for 1 week. Once the cast is removed only contacts for about 2 months!

Confirm your designated caregiver is still available for pick up and plans to stay with you for the first 24 hours post procedure.  

Remember: you cannot drive or uber alone from your surgery, and you will not be released without a caretaker. If you do not have a caregiver your surgery will be canceled and you are subject to pay the day of cancellation fee of $3,000.

Get some rest and try to relax; it is normal to feel excited or nervous prior to surgery. . 


For the Day of Surgery
Pre-Op Instructions:

  • The morning of your procedure remember to avoid food and water.

No meals before the surgery!

For females, keep in mind you will need to provide a urine sample so if possible please try to void when you arrive. 

  • Wash your face with antibacterial soap if possible in the morning.

A good antibacterial soap we recommend is Dove or Dial antibacterial soap bar. Do not apply any lotions or creams after. 

 

  • Arrive to surgery with a clean face, no makeup or lotion, no finger nail polish, no 

jewelry/piercings around face/neck. (For sterile purposes, male patients MUST shave beard hair the morning of surgery).

  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily take on and off. You will go home in the robe that is provided.

  • Do not forget to bring all your prescribed medications unopened!

Post Op - Night of the Surgery

We hope you made it home safe and sound after your surgery. As you get settled in, we have a few tips and a video listed below.

 

Post-Op Instructions- Home the Day of your Procedure

Take pain medications as instructed: As the anesthesia wears off, you may begin to feel a headache or nose ache. 

Take your antibiotic in the evening. The anesthesiologist already gave you antibiotics by IV prior to surgery. Continue to take your antibiotics as instructed for the rest of this week. 

 

 

  • Don't forget about RICE!
    REST - more activity will increase your blood pressure and swelling
    ICE - apply ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 3 days. The more you apply, the less swelling you should have. This is more effective in the first 3 days. 
    COMPRESSION - your cast is applying compression to your nose. 
    ELEVATION - don't forget to sleep with your head elevated; use at least 2 pillows. 

   

  • Change the dressing (mustache bandage) under the nose if necessary. 
     

  • Sneeze with your mouth open if you need to sneeze.
     

  • Don't blow your nose. It is normal to feel congtested at this time.  

As a reminder, here are the instructions for cleaning your incisions after surgery using the materials you gathered prior to your surgery.

Instructions on cleaning incisions:
- Dip clean Q-tip in hydrogen peroxide, apply to incisions.
- Take another clean Q-tip and dab sutures to dry any excess solution.
- Apply Bacitracin Ointment.


Here is a video link on how to properly clean incisions after a rhinoplasty.

1 Day Post - Op

Today you are considered Day 1 after surgery.
Please refer to the video link or the instructions below for what to do today:

 
Post-Op Instructions- First day after your procedure

  • For today, continue to take the pain medication if you need it.

If you feel only mild pain, consider switching to Tylenol Extra Strength.

  • Continue to avoid Advil, Ibuprofen, and Aleve.  

  • Begin taking the steroid pills as instructed on the back of the pill packet. This will help with swelling. 

  • If you no longer have drainage, you can remove the dressing (mustache bandage) under your nose. 

  • Apply ice today 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, even if you have no visible bruising or swelling. Late onset bruising can occur. 

  • Continue to apply the hydrogen peroxide and antibacterial ointment.

  • Continue to keep your activity to a minimum today. 

  • Keep your head elevated while you are sleeping.

  • Try to advance your diet throughout the day- clears to liquids to solids if you feel up to it. 

At this point, it is normal for your nose to feel stuffy and for you to be a mouth breather. 
 
We are available at any time if you have any questions, so please don't hestitate to call us!

2 Day Post - Op

Today is Day 2 after surgery and this is when we typically see a maximal amount of swelling and discomfort.

If you are feeling more discomfort and swelling at this point in your recovery, it is normal.

You can begin using nasal saline, but be sure not to blow your nose. 

If you no longer have drainage from your nose, you can stop applying the gauze dressing under your nose. 

It is important that you continue to ice. When most patients stop icing at this point, they will notice bruising later on. 

 

Continue to follow the instructions in the e-mail sent yesterday.

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You can also refer to this video link for Post-Op Instructions- Second day after your procedure.
 

3 Day Post - Op

You've made it to Day 3 post op and today you can resume caffeine!  

You may still experience a maximal amount of swelling, but it is still normal at this time.

Today is your last day of icing to help avoid late bruising.

Continue taking your medications. Remember if you are only in mild pain you can take Tylenol. 

Limit your activity so that we can keep your blood pressure low. 

 

Here's another video for your Post-Op Instructions- Third Day After Your Procedure from Dr. Shah. 
 

4-5 Day Post - Op

Hope you're recovery is going well so far!

Here are Post-Op Instructions- Fourth Day After Your Procedure and Post-Op Instructions- Fifth Day After Your Procedure.

At this point, you no longer have to ice. Continue to limit your activity and continue your medications. 

Your incision should have limited amount of blood and drainage, so make sure it is covered with ointment at all times. 

Let us know if you have any questions!

6 Day Post - Op

Your recovery week is almost over! 

Here is your Post-Op Instructions- Sixth Day After Your Procedure video for today. 

Tomorrow when you come in we'll remove your cast and sutures (if present).  If you are sensitive to pain, you can take your pain medication but make sure you have someone drive you to the appointment.

You can take the pain medication 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.

 

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

7 Day Post - Op

When you come in we will remove your cast and sutures.

When your cast comes off, we will see swelling and possibly asymmetries. This is normal. The majority of the swelling will go down in this first month. The nose will take time to heal. 

You can resume alcohol. When you come in we will discuss taping your nose at night.

Here is a link on how to tape your nose: Click Here

You can begin light activity, like light walking and light weights. You can do 25% of your normal work out.

Do not participate in contact sports yet. Please review the exercise protocol (rules of 25% each week) at this link: Click Here 

We'll see you soon!
 

1 Month Post - Op

It has been one month since your procedure already!

 Please see this message from Dr. Shah: Post op Instructions: 30 days and Beyond

At this time, you can resume most activities and exercise except contact sports. 

Expect to start liking your nose at this point. It takes up to a full year (maybe two) to see your final results. 

Your post-operative appointments are critical and can influence your final results especially with swelling.

We should be seeing you in the next couple weeks for your first follow up.

At week 6, you can typically blow your nose, but be sure to ask us first if it is okay. 

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We will be seeing you quite often during your recovery for your follow-ups, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us!

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