Instructions for Beverly Hills Rhinoplasty by Dr. Torkian

Before Surgery

Lab work may be requested, and occasionally a letter from your internist will be necessary prior to rhinoplasty or nose surgery.
For 2 weeks prior to surgery, avoid Aspirin, Ibuprophen, Motrin, Midol, Naprosyn (Naproxen), Vitamin E, Bilberry, Cayenne, Echinacea, Feverfew, Fish oil caps, Garlic caps, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Kava Kava, Valerian, Licorice Root, Ma Huang, Melatonin, St. John's Wort.
Three days before surgery: avoid alcohol, and excessive salt; remain well hydrated.
The night before surgery: get rest, drink plenty of water, refrain from any food or drinks after midnight. Medicines may be taken with a small sip of water.

What to Expect

Bleeding through the nostrils is common after surgery. It will slow down in 4 to 7 days. You may have to change the gauze several times the first few days after surgery.
Expect your nose to be blocked during the first few weeks after surgery. This is caused by blood, mucus, and swelling inside the nose.
Don't be alarmed by swelling of your outer nose. The swelling will go down over the next week or two.
Overall the swelling will last up to one year. By 6 weeks, 80% of the swelling is gone; by 6 months, 90% is gone; and by one year, 100% of the swelling is gone.

Do not blow your nose for 1 week.
Use ocean spray 10-15 times daily in the nostrils and gently sniff up the liquid to help clean the inside of your nose.
Do not insert any objects in your nose, even for cleaning.
Clean the outer part of the nostrils with hydrogen peroxide. You may apply antibiotic ointment or Vaseline to the edge of the nostrils.
You should apply ice over the bandage every 30 to 60 min for the first 2 days. Avoid leaving the ice on your eyelids for more than 20 min at a time.
Avoid sun exposure to the nose for at least 1 year. Always use a strong sunscreen and a hat or visor if sun exposure is unavoidable.
Avoid situations in which you commonly bump your nose, or rolling onto your face while asleep for the first 4 weeks..
Do not allow glasses of any type to rest on your nose for 2 months after surgery - unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Torkian.

Take your medication exactly as directed.
Do not take aspirin unless instructed by your doctor.
Keep your head elevated for 7 days after surgery to keep swelling to a minimum.
Try to rest quietly for the next week. Avoid any activity that increases your blood pressure or pulse rate, because this could cause bleeding.
You may shower or bathe after surgery, but be careful to keep your external splint dry. Before taking a shower, make sure that the water flow hits somewhere below your face. Adjust the showerhead if necessary, or just keep your back to the shower head.