At your pre-surgical consultation that usually takes place two weeks before your actual surgery, you will receive an information packet that explains everything you should do and know before and after your rhinoplasty surgery. It will include information on where the surgery will take place, what time it will take place, and what time you need to be there before the surgery. The packet will also include information on the medications you should not take in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Additionally, most patients will also get routine blood work done before.
Preparation for your surgery begins two weeks before the actual procedure. In this time frame, you must stop taking aspirin and products that contain aspirin. We recommend that you begin taking vitamin B complex. Also, if you plan on wearing tinted glasses, like sunglasses, start a couple weeks before to get people accustomed to seeing you with them on. Additionally, you may wish to arrange an appointment with your family doctor to have a pre-op history and physical exam completed prior to surgery. If you smoke, stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and do not start again until at least two weeks after your surgery date. Smoking significantly impairs your circulation and slows down healing. It is also very important to inform one of our staff if you develop an illness prior to your surgery date.
Two days before your surgery it is also important to prepare for your surgery. It is important to prepare for your recovery now, which begins with preparing ice cold compresses (small zip-lock baggies with frozen peas or corn) for after you return home. Also, go to the drug store and fill all prescriptions you will need. It is important to get 2×2 inch gauze squares, paper tape, Q-tips, Dial antibacterial soap, and hydrogen peroxide. Go to the grocery store as well to buy some “light foods” such as juices, teas, soup, toast, eggs, oatmeal, jelly, etc. Lastly, begin taking Arnica Montana (3 tablets, 3 times daily).
The evening before your rhinoplasty surgery you should wash your face with Dial antibacterial soap for 3 full-minutes. Do not eat after 12:00 midnight the night before your surgery. It is important to get a good night’s rest to increase the chances of a speedy recovery. It is also very important to make some jello, pudding, eggs, oatmeal, etc. for after surgery.
The day of your rhinoplasty surgery do not eat or drink anything prior to surgery. Wash your face with Dial antibacterial soap and do not wear any face makeup or lipstick, etc. Do not wear wigs, hairpins, hairpieces, or jewelry to the surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and do not wear pullover tops or panty hose. Have someone drive you to your surgery and make sure a responsible adult will be able to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours. If you take any medications on a daily basis, check with your surgeon to see if they want you to take them on day of surgery.
If you are interested in scheduling a rhinoplasty surgery, please call Dr. Goldschmidt at (216)-264-8100 or fill out the contact form at the top of the page.