Getting Rhinoplasty? Here’s Your Pre-Surgery Checklist

There is much excitement in the weeks leading up to a rhinoplasty surgery. Soon you will have the beautiful new nose you’ve always dreamt of, and the renewed sense of self-confidence that comes with it! Dr. B. Aviva Preminger wants you to have one of the best possible results, so she will provide you with a detailed rhinoplasty pre-surgery checklist to make sure you’re prepared for the surgery itself and the recovery period. Here is a preview of what you can expect.

Take all the necessary health precautions

• Stop smoking for AT LEAST two weeks prior to surgery.
• Stop taking supplements that may cause excessive bleeding.
• Stop taking medications that increase blood pressure, dilate blood vessels, thin the blood, and impair healing.
• Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Wear SPF 30 sunblock daily.

Plan your logistics

• Make sure you have someone reliable who can drive you to your appointment and stay with you.
• Make sure you have someone who can help you at home the first 24 hours after your surgery.
• If you are traveling from outside New York, you will need to book accommodations in the area for 1 week.
• Arrange 1-2 weeks off work or school (one if you don’t mind the bruises, two if you are keeping it a secret).
• If you are an athlete, arrange at least two weeks off your sport.
• Pack a bag (which includes your ID, insurance card, container for glasses or contacts, post-op clothes).

Buy recovery supplies

• Prescriptions (pain pills, antibiotics, birth control pills if using)
• Hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, nasal saline spray (purchased over-the-counter)
• Vaseline or Chapstick (to re-hydrate your lips)
• Bottled water, Gatorade and juice
• Bags of frozen peas or berries (for icing, cleansed with alcohol first)
• Thermometer (to make sure you don’t develop a fever, a possible sign of infection)
• Q-tips (to gently cleanse nostrils once bandages come off)
• Anti-bacterial, fragrance-free soap, like Dial or Safeguard (for cleansing)
• Magazines, books, movies (to keep you occupied)
• Cool mist humidifier (to keep lips and nasal passageways moist)
• Biotene mouth spray (to keep your throat hydrated until you can breathe through your nose again)
• Arnica cream (to reduce bruising and swelling)
• Pillows (to keep your head elevated)
• Face wipes (to keep you feeling fresh until you can shower again)
• Clothing that you don’t have to pull over your head
• Saltine crackers & a bottle of water (to take medication on your way home)
• Foods that are easy to digest (scrambled eggs, Jello, soups, oatmeal, pudding, apple sauce, yogurt, smoothies)

Prepare your mind and body right before surgery

• Decide what you want to tell family, friends, and coworkers.
• Remove all make-up the night before surgery.
• Wash with Dial or Safeguard soap.
• Wash your hair and leave it free of product.
• Get a good night’s rest and find relaxing activities you enjoy to calm your nerves.
• Do not eat or drink after midnight the evening before surgery (including candy, gum, and mints).
• If you are a man, shave the morning of surgery.
• Wear a dress you can step out of, or a button-down shirt, on the day of surgery.

Contact Dr. B. Aviva Preminger to schedule a consultation or ask any additional questions about rhinoplasty in New York City.