Alar Base Reduction Pre & Post Operative Instructions

Please Read First

This page provides a condensed overview of preparation and recovery guidelines for alar base reduction surgery. For complete instructions—including anesthesia options, detailed timelines, and medication guidance—please download the full Pre-Operative and Post-Operative instruction documents below. These serve as your primary reference for a safe and successful recovery.

General Anesthesia Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions Video

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting:

General anesthesia: No food or drink for 8 hours before surgery.
Local anesthesia with sedation: Nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before.
Local anesthesia only: No fasting required.

Transportation & Care:

General anesthesia or sedation: Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
Local only: You may drive yourself home.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, herbal supplements, and weight-loss medications as directed. Discuss prescription medications with your surgeon.

Lifestyle: Stop or reduce nicotine 4 weeks before and after; reduce alcohol 2 weeks before and after.

Day of Surgery: Shower, avoid lotions/makeup, remove jewelry, and wear loose, front-opening clothing.

Suggested Supplies:

Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Laxative/stool softener if using narcotic medication
No-slip socks
Sunscreen (SPF 45+) to protect incisions

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol; narcotic pain medication and anti-nausea medication may be prescribed.

Antibiotics: Complete the full course as directed.

Mobility: Gentle walking immediately after surgery helps prevent blood clots.

Positioning: Sleep on your back with your head elevated for 2 weeks.

Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise, yoga, or contact sports for 2 months. Protect incisions from sun exposure for up to 12 months.

Incision Care: Sutures are usually removed after 7 days. Avoid makeup at incision sites for 2–3 weeks.

Cold Therapy: Use ice packs starting 24–48 hours after surgery for swelling (15–20 min on, 40 min off).

Follow-Up and Support

Urgent Concerns: Contact our office if you experience redness, swelling, drainage, fever over 101°F, or pain unrelieved by medication.

Emergency Situations: For difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Ongoing Communication:

Non-urgent: email [email protected]
Urgent: call (808) 585-8855 during office hours
After hours: use the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575

Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-ups to ensure proper healing.

Download Complete Instructions

For full details on medication guidelines, wound care, return to activity, and recovery milestones, please download both documents below:

Download Alar Base Reduction Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

Download Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Surgery with General Anesthesia (PDF)