“What should you avoid before rhinoplasty?”
I will have a rhinoplasty next week. What should you avoid before rhinoplasty?
2 Answers
Do your best to avoid getting sick or avoid any trauma to your nose. Otherwise stay healthy and look forward to your results.
Leland Webb
Leland Webb
Good luck with your upcoming rhinoplasty!
As with any surgery, it is best to avoid blood thinning medications. Many people take Aspirin and should strive to discontinue it for at least 5-7 days in advance of surgery. This has to be balanced against any competing medical conditions you might have, such as cardiovascular disease, and if you have any of those, you MUST check with BOTH your surgeon and your prescribing provider to determine what is most safe for you.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can also thin your blood, which can make bleeding more copious during rhinoplasty, particularly if the surgeon plans to rebreak your nasal bones (i.e., perform osteotomies). Generally, I counsel patients to discontinue NSAIDs for at least two (2) weeks prior to surgery if at all possible. Some folks suffer from migraines and arthritis, so again it is a balance between competing priorities. For that one (1) week leading up to surgery, I generally tell folks to resort to taking Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is NOT an NSAID, should they experience a headache, migraine, or generalized muscle aches and pains from working out.
There are dietary herbs, supplements, and vitamins that are also best to avoid. Many take supplements such as fish oil, for example, which can make one more prone to bleeding. Others to consider discontinuing include garlic, cayenne pepper, and ginger -- I know, all the "fun stuff" you eat, especially with spicy food!
I also tell patients to limit salt intake postoperatively, as salt tends to lead one to retain more water weight, called edema. Edema can persist in the tip of the nose, after rhinoplasty, for up to one (1) year. It would likely also help to keep salt intake down prior to surgery as well, particularly if you have baseline hypertension or high blood pressure. Salt intake will tend to increase your blood pressure, which again can lead to more problematic bleeding during and after rhinoplasty.
Physical activity such as the gym or sex is generally 'ok' one (1) week leading up to surgery, but I would take it easy that last night or so prior to rhinoplasty. Again, you want to avoid anything, whether taken by mouth or induced with activity, that can great more blood pressure or generate more swelling in the head and neck area. I would maintain these physical restrictions after surgery until your surgeon clears you to resume them, which could be a minimum of four (4) to six (6) weeks.
My own surgery mentor who trained me used to speak of the four (4) 'S's' to avoid, for sure after surgery, but it would be wise to similarly avoid them leading up to surgery, too:
1. Salt.
2. Sweat.
3. Straining.
4. Sex.
I hope this advice helps! As I am not your actual rhinoplasty surgeon, ALWAYS check with your actual surgeon to determine his or her practice preferences. Again, good luck with your upcoming operation!
As with any surgery, it is best to avoid blood thinning medications. Many people take Aspirin and should strive to discontinue it for at least 5-7 days in advance of surgery. This has to be balanced against any competing medical conditions you might have, such as cardiovascular disease, and if you have any of those, you MUST check with BOTH your surgeon and your prescribing provider to determine what is most safe for you.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can also thin your blood, which can make bleeding more copious during rhinoplasty, particularly if the surgeon plans to rebreak your nasal bones (i.e., perform osteotomies). Generally, I counsel patients to discontinue NSAIDs for at least two (2) weeks prior to surgery if at all possible. Some folks suffer from migraines and arthritis, so again it is a balance between competing priorities. For that one (1) week leading up to surgery, I generally tell folks to resort to taking Tylenol (acetaminophen), which is NOT an NSAID, should they experience a headache, migraine, or generalized muscle aches and pains from working out.
There are dietary herbs, supplements, and vitamins that are also best to avoid. Many take supplements such as fish oil, for example, which can make one more prone to bleeding. Others to consider discontinuing include garlic, cayenne pepper, and ginger -- I know, all the "fun stuff" you eat, especially with spicy food!
I also tell patients to limit salt intake postoperatively, as salt tends to lead one to retain more water weight, called edema. Edema can persist in the tip of the nose, after rhinoplasty, for up to one (1) year. It would likely also help to keep salt intake down prior to surgery as well, particularly if you have baseline hypertension or high blood pressure. Salt intake will tend to increase your blood pressure, which again can lead to more problematic bleeding during and after rhinoplasty.
Physical activity such as the gym or sex is generally 'ok' one (1) week leading up to surgery, but I would take it easy that last night or so prior to rhinoplasty. Again, you want to avoid anything, whether taken by mouth or induced with activity, that can great more blood pressure or generate more swelling in the head and neck area. I would maintain these physical restrictions after surgery until your surgeon clears you to resume them, which could be a minimum of four (4) to six (6) weeks.
My own surgery mentor who trained me used to speak of the four (4) 'S's' to avoid, for sure after surgery, but it would be wise to similarly avoid them leading up to surgery, too:
1. Salt.
2. Sweat.
3. Straining.
4. Sex.
I hope this advice helps! As I am not your actual rhinoplasty surgeon, ALWAYS check with your actual surgeon to determine his or her practice preferences. Again, good luck with your upcoming operation!
