A pre-operative assessment will be done to document any airflow problems with your nose. A deviated septum or enlargement of your nasal tissues may need to be treated. Photos will be taken and a careful and in-depth discussion of your concerns will follow. I believe it is important for both of us to fully understand what it is about your nose that bothers you.

       No aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar drugs should be taken within two weeks of surgery. These medications can cause serious excess bleeding during, and after, the operation. If you have any questions about drugs you are taking, including over the counter preparations and natural herbs, please call the office.

       Do not EAT or DRINK anything after midnight of the night before your surgery. This prohibition includes coffee and juice in the morning. Oral medications can be taken with a sip of water.

       As mentioned earlier, there are many variations in rhinoplasty surgery. The operation is done in the hospital in either a "closed" or "open" fashion.

       In a closed rhinoplasty, an incision is made inside the nose, often in both nostrils, and the skin lifted as needed with all manipulations performed through the small incisions in the nose.

       In an open approach, the incisions inside the nose are joined across the base of the nose with a small external incision. The skin is then lifted and the operation proceeds. The main difference post operatively will be a small (¼ inch) outer nasal incision.

• In most cases, the nasal bones will need to be fractured to provide a natural result.

       The packing, if placed, will come out the next day and the splint(s) will be removed after 1 week. You will wear the outer nasal splint at night for two more weeks so you do not do any damage rolling over in bed.

• You should not blow or pick at your nose over this first week.
• Saline spray can be applied to moisten the area as desired.