Good preparation for rhinoplasty covers half the road to recovery. Many patients focus on the operation itself and neglect the weeks that precede it — when in fact those weeks determine a large part of the quality of the result and the speed of healing.
Two weeks before surgery
Stop smoking
Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to the tissues — this noticeably slows wound healing and increases the risk of complications. Stopping smoking for at least two weeks before and after the operation is not an option; it is a medical requirement.
Stop certain medications
Specific medications worsen bleeding during and after surgery. They must be stopped two weeks in advance unless your doctor says otherwise:
- Aspirin and anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac)
- Vitamin E, fish oil and omega-3 supplements
- Some herbal supplements with antibiotic effects (garlic, ginger in high doses)
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, rivaroxaban) — consult your treating physician
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol thins the blood and affects anaesthesia. Stop it for at least one full week before surgery.
One week before surgery
Set up your resting spot at home
After the operation you will need a semi-seated position with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Prepare in advance:
- Two extra pillows to elevate the head
- An ice or cooling pack for gentle pressure on the cheeks (not on the nose)
- Humidify the room air if possible
- A list of emergency numbers and the nearest pharmacy
Arrange someone to drive you and look after you
You will not be able to drive for days after general anaesthesia. Arrange for a trusted person to take you home from the hospital and stay with you at least the first night.
Buy what you will need in advance
- Nasal saline solutions (for gentle cleaning)
- Juices, fluids and soft, easy-to-swallow foods
- Anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers (as prescribed by your doctor)
- A shirt or jacket that opens from the front — nothing pulled over the head
The day of surgery
Complete fasting
Do not eat or drink (not even water) from midnight the night before surgery. Fasting is an essential requirement for general anaesthesia, and ignoring it may mean postponing the operation.
What to wear and what to avoid
- Loose clothing that opens from the front — avoid tops that go over the head
- No makeup and no creams that day
- No perfume and no deodorant
- No jewellery — leave it at home
- Wash your hair well the night before surgery
What to bring with you
- Your ID
- Your medical test results
- A list of all medications you are taking
- An accompanying person
What to expect after surgery
Knowing the recovery stages in advance reduces anxiety and stops you worrying about things that are completely normal:
Visible swelling and bruising, difficulty breathing through the nose, mild discomfort manageable with painkillers.
Splint removal after 7 days. Bruising begins to improve, but swelling is still present.
You can return to office work. Visible swelling fades but is still subtly present.
The result looks clear, and the fine swelling is on its way to disappearing.
The final result is complete. This is what you will see forever.
Have a question about preparing for your surgery?
Dr. Ahmad Dawood answers you in a free consultation