Rhinoplasty Surgery Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE RHINOPLASTY OR SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY
1: To prepare for your Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty, have all your prescriptions before surgery and also have Extra strength Tylenol available. You may switch over to these when you no longer need the prescription pain medications.
2. You can shower or bathe the night before your Rhinoplasty. You should not use deodorant, wear makeup, jewelry or contact lenses the morning of surgery. You need to remove any metal piercings (earrings, bellybutton rings, etc.) before coming to the office. You may replace them when you get home. It is preferable for you to wear dark, comfortable clothing (gym attire is appropriate) and flat, comfortable shoes. Shirts that button or zip in front is preferable to shirts you have to pull over your head.
3. You must have a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you the night of your Rhinoplasty surgery. You must not be alone the night of your surgery.
4. You cannot drive home after your Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty surgery. You cannot travel by public transportation, such as bus, train or taxi. It is a good idea to bring a pillow and a blanket for your comfort during your ride home.
5. You must not eat or drink anything, including water, gum or candy, after midnight before your Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty surgery. You may brush your teeth and rinse with water and/or mouthwash.
*Arnica and Bromelain can help reduce bruising. You may obtain them from Dr. Diehl’s office.
INSTRUCTIONS AFTER RHINOPLASTY OR SEPTOPLASTY SURGERY
1. Remembering that your Rhinoplasty surgery was done after you not eating or drinking since the night before, your should eat a light snack after your surgery. It is much more important to drink fluids, such as water, Gatorade, V-8, apple juice, if you are having trouble eating solids. Jell-O, chicken broth and toast are good starters.
2. If you have not urinated within six hours of surgery, call Dr. Diehl.
3. You must get up and walk around the house several times a day to keep up the circulation in your legs especially the night of your Rhinoplasty surgery.
4. Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty surgery can give you some temporary numbness, swelling and bruising in the surgical area which is a normal part of the recovery process. You should apply cool compress to your nose and cheek areas to reduce bruising and swelling.
5. For the next 24 hours: do not drink alcoholic beverages, do not make important decisions or sign any legal documents and not operate any mechanical or electrical equipment.
6. You need to take your medications as prescribed.
7. Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty surgery does not cause much pain. Prescription pain medications frequently cause nausea as a side effect, if so, cut back on them and try Tylenol alone, every 6 hours. You can call the office so that Dr. Diehl can change your prescription pain medication to an alternate. Remember that people react differently to the various pain medications.
8. You may shower 24 hours after your Rhinoplasty surgery. Keep your splint as dry as possible. If it comes loose, tape it securely with Steri-strips. Oozing is common for a few days. Replace a small gauze drip pad as often as necessary. Apply Bacitracin to any sutured areas twice a day. You may use Q-tips to gently clean your nostrils with warm water.
9. You should not sit in a tub to bathe or have running water on your face. You do not want to soak the surgical site - sponge bathe only.
10. Dr. Diehl’s office will make an appointment for your follow up after your Rhinoplasty surgery.
11. If you have any questions call Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, located in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, and Long Island at 631-476-7300.
To schedule a free consultation please call 631-476-7300
