Precautions Before Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery
Medication
- Do not take medications such as birth control pills, hormones, vitamin E or aspirin from 1 week before surgery.
Medical History Check
- If you are being treated or have ever been treated for a disease such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disease, please inform the hospital in advance.
- If you have a severe cold or have discomfort in your respiratory system on the day of surgery, please notify the hospital in advance.
Meals
- Avoid consuming all food and beverages, including water, 8 hours before surgery.
Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
- Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol for 3 days prior to surgery.
Clothing
- Prepare comfortable clothing that is easy to take off (e.g., button-up shirts, loose-fitting clothes), along with a mask, scarf, hat, and sunglasses.
Other
- On the day of surgery, please remove contact lenses, jewelry, accessories, nail polish, and makeup in advance.
- Driving after surgery can be difficult, so it is recommended to come with a guardian or companion.
Precautions After Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery
Swelling
- Bruising and swelling may increase during the first 2–3 days post-surgery and can vary depending on the individual.
- Bruising and significant swelling typically improve within one month, while residual swelling gradually subsides over 6 months.
- After surgery, the nasal mucosa inside the nose will be swollen, which can make breathing uncomfortable and cause dryness initially.
- Avoid irritating the mucosa as it may result in injury.
Symptoms and Management
- Use cold compresses for the first 3 days post-surgery (focus on the area around the nose and forehead).
- Avoid actions that put excessive pressure on the nose (e.g., blowing your nose forcefully, lying face down) or
- activities that could cause direct trauma to the nose. These can lead to bleeding, so extra caution is needed for one month.
- Avoid wearing glasses or sunglasses for one month. If necessary, ensure they do not press on the nasal bridge.
- If blood or discharge flows from the nose, let it flow naturally and gently wipe it with a tissue or gauze without touching the incision.
If bleeding persists, visit the hospital.
Stitches / Splint / Scar Care
- For internal incisions, dissolvable stitches are used, which typically disappear within 1 to 1.5 months. If the stitches cause discomfort, they can be removed upon request.
- After stitch removal, apply the prescribed ointment for 1 more week to the external incision site and any areas with non-dissolvable stitches inside the nose.
- After 2 weeks, use scar ointment for external incision sites, ear cartilage donor sites, or rib cartilage donor sites. If Dermabond is used, start scar management only after the bond naturally falls off.
- Depending on your progress, the splint may need to be worn during rest or sleep as instructed by the doctor.
Makeup and Washing
- For 3–7 days post-surgery, avoid direct water contact on the surgical site. If water touches the area, gently wipe it with a cotton swab and apply the prescribed ointment.
- After stitch removal, light foam cleansing and minimal skin makeup are allowed starting the next day.
- Avoid heavy eye makeup and cosmetic lenses for at least 1 month, as they may irritate the eyes.
Sleeping Position
- Sleep with your head elevated above your heart and maintain a straight sleeping position.
Smoking / Alcohol / Sauna / Exercise
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 1 month after surgery, as these can slow recovery and cause inflammation.
- Saunas, spas, swimming pools, intense exercise, and massages should be avoided for 1–2 months.
Emergency Situations
- If you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, or other emergency symptoms,
please contact the hospital immediately: (02-539-1177)
Medication
- Avoid aspirin and Vitamin E for 1 week post-surgery
