Hello, our dear journey companion!
You've spent months thinking, researching, maybe worrying a little, and dreaming a lot. Now, you've finally made that big decision. And the day is approaching fast! We know the excitement is at its peak. To make sure that "Did I forget something?" fear isn't on your mind, we've prepared a friendly "Rhinoplasty Pre-Op Checklist" for you to read over a cup of coffee.
Remember, we started this journey together, and we are right here with you every step of the way. Our goal is to make this entire process as comfortable and stress-free for you as possible.
Let's get started!
1. 2-3 Weeks Before Surgery: "The Big Changes" Time
We are now starting to prepare your body for the big day. This stage will directly affect the quality of your healing!
!!!!! Say Goodbye to Smoking (The Most Important One!): If you smoke, it's time to say farewell to all tobacco and nicotine products. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, slows down tissue healing, and increases the risk of infection. This break is essential for your beautiful new nose to heal quickly!
Watch Out for Blood Thinners: Medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen, etc.) increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. You MUST stop taking these (after checking with your doctor).
The "Innocent" Dangers: It's not just pills! Some herbal supplements like Green Tea, Ginseng, Vitamin E, and garlic tablets can also thin your blood. Do not take any supplements during this period without your doctor's approval.
Are Your Tests Done? Make sure you've completed all the bloodwork and anesthesia tests we requested and that we have the results. This is our safety "check-point" for you.
2. 1 Week Before Surgery: Set Up Your "Recovery Corner"
You're going to spend the first few days post-op resting like royalty. Having everything you need within arm's reach will make that process so much more pleasant.
Let's create a small, cozy "recovery corner" at home:
Build a Pillow Army: For the first few nights, sleeping with your head elevated (almost at a 45-degree angle) is the golden rule for reducing swelling (edema). Prop yourself up with 2-3 extra pillows.
The "Button-Up" Wardrobe: T-shirts and sweaters that you pull over your head will be your worst enemy for the first week. To avoid bumping your new nose, prepare button-front pajamas, shirts, or zip-up hoodies.
Your New Best Friend: Lip Balm! You'll be breathing through your mouth for the first few days, so your lips will get dry. Keep your favorite lip balm on your nightstand.
Cold Compress Prep: Have gel ice packs or small ice cubes ready in a cloth in your freezer. (We will show you exactly how to apply them).
Soft Food Stock-Up: Hard, chewy foods will be difficult at first. Stock your fridge with soft and lukewarm/cold foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and ice cream.
Pick Up Your Prescriptions: If we've given you prescriptions for post-op meds (painkillers, antibiotics, nasal spray, etc.), get these filled at the pharmacy now.
3. The Last 48 Hours: "Calm & Cleanse"
The countdown is getting real!
No Alcohol: We're stopping all alcohol at least 48 hours before surgery.
Lots of Water, Light Meals: Rest your body. Instead of heavy, greasy, or spicy foods, opt for light and healthy meals. Drink plenty of water.
The "Who's Your Ride?" Plan: Confirm who is picking you up from the hospital and who will be staying with you that first night. It's very important that you are not alone while the anesthesia wears off.
4. The Last 24 Hours & Morning of Surgery: THE FINAL!
Fasting Begins! (The Most Critical Rule!): For the safety of your surgery, you MUST follow this rule perfectly. From the time your doctor told you (usually 8 hours before surgery), DO NOT EAT, DRINK, OR CHEW GUM. NOT EVEN A SIP OF WATER. NOTHING.
Take a Nice Shower: Either the morning of or the night before, take a good shower and wash your hair. You'll need to be very careful about washing your hair for a little while after surgery.
Zero Makeup, Zero Cream: Please arrive at the hospital with NO makeup, moisturizer, lotion, or perfume on your face.
Remove Nail Polish & Contacts: We ask that you remove any nail polish (especially dark colors) and artificial nails. If you wear contacts, wear your glasses to the hospital instead.
Leave at Home: Leave all your jewelry (wedding ring, earrings, necklaces, piercings) safely at home.
Wear Comfy Clothes: That "button-up" rule again! Wear comfy, loose-fitting clothes to the hospital that open in the front, like sweatpants and a zip-up.
And... You're Ready!
If you've checked off this list, you are officially ready—physically and logistically—for the big day. There's only one thing left to do: Pack your excitement and that beautiful smile, and come to the hospital.
We, your Medivis Clinic team, will be waiting for you in the operating room, ready with all our expertise and care, for this most important day of your journey to your dream profile.
Everything is going to be wonderful. Trust us!
With health and excitement!