Rhinoplasty: before and after your operation

Prepared for Prof. Dr. Orhan Görgülü's rhinoplasty patients. What your surgeon tells you personally always comes before this page.

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Before the operation

If you take a blood thinner (aspirin too), tell your surgeon. These are usually stopped 1 to 2 weeks before the operation. Your surgeon will tell you how.
Stop herbal remedies and supplements such as vitamin E and fish oil before the operation.
Stop smoking, and do not smoke after the operation either. Smoking slows healing.
Plan to rest at home for at least one week and arrange work or school around it.
Have someone with you on the way home and on the first night.
Have these ready at home: ice or cold gel packs, two pillows, soft food, shirts that button at the front and, if you have one, a humidifier.
Come on the day without make-up, jewellery or nail polish. Your surgeon will tell you when to stop eating and drinking.

For the first 3 days, put ice or a cold gel pack on the area around the eyes and the cheeks. It reduces swelling and bruising.
Sleep on two pillows with your head raised. Do not turn your head more than 45 degrees.
Rest at home. You need bed rest in the first week.
Do not blow your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open.
Do not bend forward, lift heavy things or strain. Eat high-fibre food and drink plenty of water so you do not get constipated.
Eat soft, lukewarm food. Avoid very hot, salty and spicy food.
For the first 2 days, tape a piece of gauze over your upper lip so any oozing does not stain your clothes.
Brush your teeth gently. Avoid big laughs and exaggerated facial expressions.
Your mouth and throat may feel dry. A humidifier and plenty of water help.
Take only the medicines your surgeon gives you and do not choose a painkiller yourself. No alcohol, no smoking.
Do not wear tight collars. Choose shirts that button at the front.

Keep sleeping with your head raised for 3 weeks. Do not sleep on your side for 20 days.
You can start walking after the second week. Wait until day 40 for heavy sport and strenuous activity.
Do not wear glasses for 6 weeks. You can wear contact lenses after 2 days.
Protect your face from the sun for 6 weeks. Otherwise the swelling takes longer to settle.
Do not swim for 1 month.
Take care not to knock your nose. Be careful when you pick up small children or pets.

Bruising lasts 7 to 10 days and usually fades after day 10. If it lasts longer, concealer can be used.
Swelling can increase on day 3 or 4. Most of it goes down in 2 to 3 weeks. The final shape of the nose appears in 12 to 18 months.
Some oozing and a blocked nose are common in the first days.
A swollen nose can be worrying in the first weeks. It is temporary. Be patient and keep your check-ups.

Check-ups are on day 7, then at 1 month, 3 months and finally 6 months after the operation.
If dressings were advised, change them regularly or have a health professional do it.

Outside working hours or in an emergency, call 112 in Türkiye or your local emergency number.