Preparing for your Rhinoplasty Surgery

Contents

1. What You Need
2. What to AVOID 2 Weeks Prior to your Surgery
3. PRIOR to your Rhinoplasty Surgery
4. What You Need to Know About Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
5. Common Concerns Following Rhinoplasty
6. What to EXPECT After Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
7. Cleaning Your Nose and What to Avoid After Your Rhinoplasty Day: 1
8. Cleaning Your Nose and What to Avoid After Your Rhinoplasty Day: 2-10
9. What to AVOID After Your Rhinoplasty Surgery

PRE / POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

* PLEASE FOLLOW POST-CARE PROVIDED BY OUR CLINIC

PREPARING FOR YOUR RHINOPLASTY

1. What You Need:

• Q-Tips
• Hydrogen peroxide and Polysporin ointment
• Saline Nasal Spray, Hydrasense or Salinex, medium spray
• Gauze pads and surgical tape
• Extra Strength Tylenol
• Small ice packs/ziploc sandwich bags filled with frozen peas (to be placed under the eyes/beside nose)
• Travel neck pillow/Airplane neck pillow
• Arnica by Sinecch, an herbal supplement that helps minimize bruising and swelling. Recommended by Dr. Solomon Available in our clinic

2. What to AVOID 2 Weeks Prior to your Surgery:

• Smoking/Vaping (Nicotine, Marijuana and CBD oil)
• Alcohol (Discontinue for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery as it may increase bruising and prolong swelling)
• Naturopathic or Herbal Medications/Supplements (Unless Approved by Dr. Philip Solomon)
• Remove Gel/Acrylic nails and nail polish on fingers and toes for surgery
• MUST DISCONTINUE: Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen and all blood thinners, as these products may increase bleeding.
• MUST AVOID: Garlic Extract, Fish oils and Vitamin E
• COCAINE: IF USED WITHIN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY, CAN LEAD TO STROKE, HEART ATTACK OR DEATH
• Air Travel – Please wait 48 hours prior to flying.

3. PRIOR to your Rhinoplasty Surgery:

• Recommended: 2000mg Vitamin C. Take daily for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• If you take medications for Diabetes or Hypertension: Please take your medication the morning of your surgery. All other medication can be taken once you return home.
• Remove all piercings, gel/shellac/nail polish, make-up and jewellery before your surgery.
• Please arrive clean-shaven for surgery.
• No food or drinks past midnight the night before.
• Our office will notify you of your arrival time for surgery.
• Your rhinoplasty surgery may be 1-2 hours in length.
• You will remain in recovery for up to 2 hours following your surgery if under general anesthesia.
• Ensure you have a family member or friend to drive you home.
• Prescriptions will be provided by Hospital Nurse or Dr. Solomon’s staff if your surgery in clinic.

4. What You Need to Know About Your Rhinoplasty Surgery:

• An external splint will remain in place for 7-10 days.
• If internal splints are required, they will remain in place for 7-10 days.
• AVOID getting your SPLINT wet as it may fall off prematurely.
• Change Surgical Dressing (gauze taped beneath) as needed for the first 24 – 48 hours.
• Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for 3 days.
• Sleep on your back, preferred for 2 weeks.
• Standard post-operative swelling may last for up to 4-6 weeks.
• Take prescribed Anti-Biotic as directed and Tylenol #3 as required.
• Should you develop a rash, DISCONTINUE medication and contact our office.
• Avoid direct stream of water for one week.

5. Common Concerns Following Rhinoplasty:

• The appearance of the nose following surgery may be concerning.
• The tip of the nose often appears turned-up or “pig-like” at first. This is partially because of swelling in the upper lip and from taping. The tip will fall especially in the first 2 weeks and then more slowly after that. It’s important that the tip be slightly over rotated at first so that it is not too droopy when it finally heals.
• Asymmetrical swelling is normal and related to the amount of bleeding that occurred at the time of surgery. This will improve over time.
• When the splint is removed there is often swelling where the bump used to be. Swelling does go down with time depending on the body’s healing process.
• The upper lip is very stiff after surgery. It moves very little and can make your smile seem strange. Usually related to swelling at the base of the nose. This always returns to normal with time especially after the first 2 weeks
• Your smile may be asymmetrical for the first 2 weeks.
• Your sinuses may uncomfortable and experience pressure for the first 2 weeks.

6. What to EXPECT After Your Rhinoplasty Surgery:

• Your eyes may become quite swollen and bruised. You may get red spots on the white areas of your eyes. These side effects generally last 2-3 weeks.
• Your nose will feel congested and you may find it difficult to breathe for at least 2-3 weeks.
• You may have mild bleeding from the front of your nose or down the back of your throat for a few days.
• Your nose will be painful and tender for 2-3 weeks.
• Your throat may be sore for several days.

CLEANING YOUR NOSE AND WHAT TO AVOID AFTER YOUR RHINOPLASTY

7. Day 1:

• Once you arrive home, 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.
• We recommend first taking Extra Strength Tylenol every 4 hours. If pain persists, take Tylenol #3 as needed and prescribed.
• Tylenol #3 can cause nausea that can lead to vomiting as well as constipation.
• Take your anti-biotic 2 hours apart from Tylenol to avoid an upset stomach.
• Rest. Get comfortable, lay with your head elevated and sleep if needed
• Use a travel/airplane pillow to support your neck.
• You may eat what you wish following your surgery depending on how you feel.
• Replace moustache gauze beneath the nose if gets soiled with blood. It can then be removed completely once bleeding stops.
• Anti-biotics can cause yeast infections in women. It’s recommended to take a pro-biotic or eat yogurt to help replace good bacteria

8. Day 2-10:

• Cleaning your nose begins: Clean JUST the opening of the nostrils twice a day (Morning/Bedtime) with Hydrogen Peroxide, gently dabbing to remove dried blood using a Q-Tip. DO NOT insert Q-Tip deep inside nostrils.
• Let Hydrogen peroxide dry for 2 minutes.
• Use Hydrasense daily even if you have internal plastic splints. Administer 2 sprays to each nostril 3-4 times a day, or as needed throughout the day. This helps to reduce swelling, improves breathing and helps keep nasal passage clean for splint removal.
• Apply Polysporin ointment inside nostrils after cleaning with Hydrogen peroxide.
• Continue for up to 2 weeks
• If you have allergies to these products, you may use Vaseline
• Dissolvable sutures will remain inside your nose for up to 3 months. Tissue inflammation may develop and can be resolved with polysporin ointment. Sutures are used to maintain position of structure during healing.

9. What to AVOID After Your Rhinoplasty Surgery:

• Avoid Sneezing through your nose. Try to sneeze through your mouth.
• TIP: Tickle roof of mouth with your tongue or open your mouth.
• Avoid Blowing your nose for up to 4 weeks. Recommended to blow gently.
• Avoid Picking at scabs. This can cause scarring.
• Avoid Bending over or lifting heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise your blood pressure and start haemorrhage.
• Avoid Smoking/Vaping (Nicotine, Marijuana and CBD oil), especially throughout the recovery period as smoking may prolong healing.
• Avoid Alcohol for at least 2 weeks as it may increase bruising and prolong swelling.
• Avoid Naturopathic, Herbal Medications/Supplements, Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen for 2 weeks, as these products may prolong swelling.
• Avoid Moderate physical exercise for up to 4 weeks following your rhinoplasty surgery and strenuous exercise for up to 6 weeks.
• Avoid Direct sun exposure to incisions for up to 12 months. Use SPF 45 daily.
• Avoid Wearing Glasses for 6 weeks. Glasses MUST be taped to forehead.
• Avoid Hot saunas.
• RECOMMENDED: Cool mist humidifiers at your bedside for 2-4 weeks.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, Contact Dr. Philip Solomon directly at: info@solomonfacialplastic.com OR call, or email our clinic: 905-764-7799, officestaff.solomon@gmail.com

• 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 nasal or throat 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 HOSPITAL EMERGENCY FOR ASSESSMENT.

Please Notify Dr. Philip Solomon or our office, of any unexpected admission to the hospital within 10 days of your procedure.

If you require any clarification regarding these instructions, or if you would like further assistance or support, please feel free to contact our office and we will gladly assist you.