Rhinoplasty Preoperative Preparation Process

Rhinoplasty Preoperative Preparation Process

During the preoperative preparation for rhinoplasty, the doctor provides the necessary information. In general, the patient should not take any medications outside of those approved by the doctor during the two weeks prior to surgery. If there are medications used for chronic conditions, the patient needs to consult with the doctor.

In addition, the patient should avoid herbal remedies, natural medicines, or supplements. It is also very important to refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.

Operation day requires that no food or drink be consumed for at least 8 hours beforehand. All instructions given by the doctor must be followed.

Procedures Performed During Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is not a single, uniform surgical procedure. In each operation, the individual’s unique anatomy is assessed and procedures are planned according to the patient’s nasal structure. Anesthesia suitable for the complexity of the planned procedures is administered.

During general anesthesia, the anesthetic is delivered either via inhalation or through an IV line inserted into a vein in the chest.

Thanks to general anesthesia, the patient experiences no pain or discomfort. An incision is made inside the nose or just below the nostrils. The nasal bones and cartilage beneath the skin are reshaped by the surgeon to achieve the desired outcome.

Details such as how much tissue to remove from the nasal bones or cartilage are determined based on their structure. Furthermore, if the septum—the wall between the two nostrils—is deviated or twisted, necessary adjustments are made to improve breathing. After the rhinoplasty procedure, the patient is awakened from anesthesia and typically discharged the next day.

Post-Rhinoplasty

After the operation, internal dressings and any applied splint remain in place for about a week. A nasal splint may be used. All supports are removed after one week. The doctor provides the patient with detailed postoperative instructions.

Necessary follow-up visits are carried out at specific intervals. It is quite common to experience slight bleeding and drainage of mucus mixed with residual blood for a few days after the surgery or after the dressings are removed. It is also very important to avoid sports and activities that could cause trauma for a certain period afterward.

Rhinoplasty may cause temporary swelling or black-and-blue discoloration of the eyelids for two to three weeks. Complete resolution of nasal swelling can take up to a year.

To help reduce swelling more quickly, the doctor may recommend gentle massage and advise avoiding certain foods.