Pre-Surgery Preparation
Pre-Surgical Testing
To schedule your surgery, call our surgical scheduler at 212-884-8297 or fax 212-889-1534. They will assist you in arranging required testing with your internist or at PACC (testing must be completed within one month of surgery).
Medications and Supplements
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), or medications containing these ingredients for two weeks before surgery. Also avoid high doses of Vitamin E (beyond your regular multivitamin) and herbal remedies like garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng, as they may increase bleeding risk.
Smoking
Do not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, as smoking impairs healing.
Sun Exposure
Avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks prior to surgery. After surgery, protect your nose and scars from the sun for at least 6–12 months by using a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can worsen swelling and cause scars to darken.
Ice Packs
Purchase two 2-pound bags of frozen peas to use as ice packs after surgery.
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum, or candy) after midnight the night before surgery.
Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You cannot leave alone or take public transportation.
Pharmacy Prep
Give your pharmacy’s phone number to our staff so your prescriptions can be called in ahead of time. Pick them up before surgery so they are ready at home. You should also have Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment on hand to care for your incisions.
3 Days Before Surgery
Apply Bactroban ointment inside both nostrils with a Q-tip twice daily. Continue this after surgery (clean nostrils first with a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide).
Wash your face and body daily with Chlorhexidine solution (prescription).
Day of Surgery
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front. Avoid clothing that goes over your head (such as T-shirts, sweaters, or turtlenecks).
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery—including water, gum, or candy. You may brush your teeth but do not swallow water.
Medications
Take only the medications your doctor has instructed you to take the morning of surgery (with a small sip of water if needed).
Personal Items
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Makeup and Grooming
Do not wear facial or eye makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses (wear glasses instead).
Dentures
If you wear dentures, you may leave them in during surgery.
After Surgery (Post-Operative Care)
Cast and Tape
Keep the cast and tape on until we instruct you to remove them (or we will remove them in the office). You may carefully wash your face but avoid getting the dressing wet. When showering, protect the cast from water.
Diet
No food restrictions.
Activity
Avoid strenuous physical activity (gym, bending, straining, or heavy lifting) for 1 week. Gentle walks are fine—rest and relax as much as possible.
Sun
Avoid sun and heat for 6 weeks post-surgery, as both can cause prolonged swelling.
Swelling and Bruising
Some swelling and bruising around the nose, eyes, and upper lip is normal. This typically improves in 2 weeks, but subtle swelling can take up to 6 months to fully resolve.
Medications and Wound Care
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Clean your stitches with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip to remove crusting, and apply a thin layer of bacitracin ointment twice daily (or more often if needed).
Contact Lenses
You may wear contact lenses the day after surgery.
Makeup
You may use makeup as soon as the cast and tape are removed.
Follow-Up
Please schedule a follow-up appointment 1 week after surgery to have your cast and stitches removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), and any medications containing these ingredients at least two weeks before surgery. Additionally, avoid high doses of Vitamin E and herbal remedies like garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Starting three days before surgery, apply Bactroban ointment inside both nostrils twice daily using a Q-tip. Also, wash your face and body daily with a prescription Chlorhexidine solution to reduce the risk of infection.
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, gum, or candy, after midnight the night before surgery. On the morning of surgery, you may brush your teeth but should not swallow any water.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front to avoid pulling clothes over your head. Avoid T-shirts, sweaters, or turtlenecks. Also, do not wear makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses; glasses are recommended instead.
Keep the cast and tape on until your doctor instructs you to remove them. Avoid getting the dressing wet and protect it while showering. Clean stitches with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip to remove crusting and apply bacitracin ointment twice daily or as needed.
You may wear contact lenses starting the day after surgery. Makeup can be applied once the cast and tape have been removed, typically at your one-week follow-up appointment.
Avoid strenuous physical activities such as gym workouts, bending, straining, or heavy lifting for one week after surgery. Gentle walks are encouraged, and rest is important for proper healing.
Avoid direct sun exposure for at least six weeks after surgery to prevent prolonged swelling. Additionally, protect your nose and scars from the sun for 6 to 12 months by using a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent darkening of scars and worsening swelling.