Pre and Post Operative Instructions

For patients undergoing Rhinoplasty or nose surgery in Stuart, FL, Dr. Avron recommends following the below instructions, both prior to and following your surgery.

Before Surgery:

1. Consult with several board certified plastic surgeons. Ensure your doctor has the appropriate credentials and frequently performs rhinoplasties.
2. Stop smoking for at least two to four weeks before surgery. Nicotine can inhibit healing.
3. Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and herbal supplements two weeks before and two weeks after your rhinoplasty surgery.
4. Fill your prescriptions before surgery.
5. Make sure you have plenty of lip balm and cool beverages on hand (your mouth will get VERY dry from breathing through it).
6. Ensure you have help at home post-operatively, including a driver post-op and an assistant at home to fetch beverages and light snacks.
7. Clarify all your preoperative expectations with your plastic surgeon – ensure you are on the same page.
8. Preoperative anxiety is normal and can be greatly alleviated by scheduling another appointment and speaking with your plastic surgeon.
9. Do anything strenuous that needs to be done before surgery. You’ll want to avoid heavy lifting for at least three weeks post-op.

After Surgery:

1. Elevating your head off the bed will decrease post-operative swelling.
2. A cold pack over the eyes will decrease swelling around the periorbital area.
3. You will be seen on post-op day 1 or 2 by your doctor.
4. Avoid bumping the nose (pets, bed mates, small children: watch out!), avoid workouts and straining for two weeks.
5. A low salt diet will decrease fluid retention and therefore minimize swelling.
6. Drink clear liquids on the day after surgery and soft food for 1 week post op.
7. Don’t wear glasses the usual way for four weeks following rhinoplasty. You may wear contact lenses or wear glasses taped to your forehead taking pressure off the bridge of the nose.
8. Nose blowing:
   • Rhinoplasty without septoplasty: May blow nose with care at 2 weeks after surgery
   • Rhinoplasty with septoplasty: May blow nose with care at 4-6 weeks after surgery
   • Rhinoplasty with septal perforation repair: May blow nose with care at 12 weeks after surgery
9. Pain medication should be taken as scheduled, before pain even starts for the first 48-72 hours. Then, limit your pain medication schedule and take as needed.
10. Your final result will take several months to appear. Swelling is common for 6 weeks post operatively. Breathing will slowly normalize and improve over time. Your final result may take up to 1 year before you are completely healed.