Contents

  1. What to AVOID 2 weeks Before Surgery
  2. What you Need
  3. What you Need to Know
  4. Cleaning Instructions: Starting day 2
  5. What to Expect after Surgery
  6. What to AVOID post-surgery
  7. Common Concerns

PRE / POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any concerns or questions prior to your surgery, you are encouraged to speak to Dr. Solomon in advance to ensure you are fully prepared for your surgical date. Often patients experience heightened anxiety around the surgical period. This is normal.

1. What to AVOID 2 weeks Before Surgery:

  • Smoking / Vaping (nicotine, marijuana and CBD oil)
  • Alcohol for at least 2 weeks pre-op, as it may increase bruising and prolong swelling.
  • Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr. Solomon
  • MUST discontinue Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen and blood thinners as these products may increase bleeding and prolong swelling.
  • MUST avoid Garlic extract, fish oils and Vitamin E

2. What you Need:

  • Q-Tips or sterile gauze
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Polysporin ointment
  • Prescription for antibiotics and pain. Provided by Hospital or our Surgical Centre.
  • Patients must have a ride arranged and confirmed if requiring sedation.
  • Please arrive clean shaven for surgery.
  • Please remove all jewellery and makeup from the neck up on the day of your surgery.

3. What you Need to Know:

  • Alar Reduction is typically performed under local anaesthesia.
  • Do not sleep on your face; ideally sleeping on your back for 2 weeks. Use 2 pillows for height and perhaps a travel pillow to keep you in position.
  • Typically removable sutures are used and are typcially removed 10 days following your surgery at our clinic by our nurse.
  • Standard post-operative swelling may last for up to 4-6 weeks. Please be patient
  • You may experience pain during the recovery process. Take Tylenol for pain.
    .

4. Cleaning Instructions: Starting Day 2

  • Clean opening of nostrils twice a day (morning and before bed) with hydrogen peroxide using a Q-Tip.
  • Do not insert Q-Tip up nostrils. Gently dab or wipe the opening of the nostrils with the soaked Q Tip to remove dried blood.
    Let dry for 2 minutes.
  • Apply Polysporin ointment inside nostrils after cleaning with hydrogen peroxide for up to 7-10 days. If you have allergies to these products, you may use Vaseline.

5.What To Expect After Surgery:

  • Please take your anti-biotic and pain medication as prescribed.
  • Best to separate anti-biotic and pain medication, 2 hours apart to avoid nausea/vomiting.
  • You may have mild bleeding from the incision site and could last a few days. Avoid aggressive manipulation to area.
  • Your nose may be painful and tender for 2-3 weeks.

6. What to AVOID Post-Surgery:

  • Avoid sneezing through the nose. Try to sneeze through the mouth.
  • Avoid blowing your nose for up to 4 weeks. Recommended to blow gently.
  • Avoid all excessive nostril movement such as flaring of nostrils.
  • Avoid picking at scabs. This can cause scarring.
  • Avoid make up products to incisions site for 2 weeks. May cause infection and can complicate healing.
  • Avoid smoking / vaping (nicotine, marijuana and CBD oil), for one month especially throughout the recovery period as smoking may prolong healing.
  • Alcohol for at least 2 weeks pre-op and post-operatively, as it may increase bruising and prolong swelling.
  • Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr. Solomon Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen, as these products may prolong swelling.
  • Moderate physical exercise for up to 4 weeks post-operatively.
  • Strenuous physical exercise for up to 6 weeks post-operatively.
  • Direct sun exposure on incisions for up to 12 months. Use a minimum of SPF 45 daily.

The following are common concerns about the appearance of the nose in the early post-operative period.

  • There is often more bruising or swelling on one side than the other. This is normal and related to the amount of bleeding that occurred at the time of surgery.
  • The nostrils often appear larger and sometime uneven. This is usually due to the swelling and will improve over time.
  • The upper lip can be stiff after surgery. It may move very little and causing your smile to seem strange. This is usually related to swelling at the base of the nose. This always returns to normal with time especially after the first 2 weeks.

If you experience any of the following listed below, please contact Dr. Solomon directly by email at info@solomonfacialplastic.com.

  • If you develop a large firm mass extending from the surgical area.
  • If you develop a rash, persistent fever, chills or sweating.
  • If you notice a foul odour or yellow drainage coming from the incision sites.
  • If you experience severe pain, that is not controlled with Tylenol.
  • If you experience persistent bleeding that does not resolve in 20 minutes or with direct pressure.
  • Persistent vomiting and inability to drink liquids for greater than 4 hours.
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs.

IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO BE REACHED, PLEASE GO TO YOUR NEAREST HOSPTIAL EMERGENCY FOR ASSESSMENT.

If you require any clarification regarding these instructions or would like to arrange a follow up appointment with the nurse, please call the office at 905.764.7799 or email us at officestaff.solomon@gmail.com