Please Read First

The information on this page provides a condensed overview of key preparation and recovery guidelines for rhinoplasty surgery. For complete instructions—including detailed timelines, medication protocols, and post-operative care—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

General Anesthesia Pre-Op Instructions Video | Asia Pacific Plastic Surgery

What to Expect

Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. Recovery varies, with initial bruising and swelling resolving within weeks, while final results may take up to a year to fully develop.

Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: No food or drink (including water, mints, or gum) for 8 hours before surgery.

Transportation: A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for at least 1–2 days. Rideshare services are not permitted.

Medications: Discontinue aspirin, NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and blood-thinning supplements as directed (typically 2–3 weeks prior).

Lifestyle Adjustments: Cease smoking (including e-cigarettes) at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. Avoid alcohol for 2 weeks prior to your procedure.

Shopping List:

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen) – for mild pain
  • Vaseline or Aquaphor – to moisturize nasal area
  • Saline spray (Simply Saline or Pretz) – begin 10 days post-op
  • Optional: straws for easier hydration

Day of Surgery:

  • Shower or bathe but avoid lotions, perfumes, deodorant, or makeup.
  • Wear loose, comfortable, front-opening clothing.

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed. Narcotic medication and anti-nausea medication (Zofran) may be prescribed.

Antibiotics: Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve.

Mobility: Begin light walking the day after surgery to support circulation and healing.

Activity Restrictions:

  • Avoid strenuous activity and overhead movements for at least 2 months.
  • Do not resume contact sports or yoga until cleared by your surgeon.

Sleep Position: Sleep with your upper body elevated at a 45–60° angle. Avoid side sleeping for 1–2 weeks.

Showering: Lukewarm showers from the neck down are allowed. Keep the nasal cast dry until the night before cast removal.

Swimming: Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans for at least 6 months.

Sneezing: Keep your mouth open to avoid pressure on the nose.

Recovery Expectations

Swelling & Bruising: Common and most noticeable around the eyes. Typically improves within 3–4 weeks.

Breathing: Nasal airflow may be restricted due to swelling but improves gradually.

Drainage: Blood-tinged drainage may occur for the first 2 days. Use gauze as needed.

Sensory Changes & Asymmetry: Temporary changes or uneven swelling are normal during healing.

Implant-Free Recovery Timeline:

  • 1–2 Weeks: Swelling and bruising begin to subside
  • 1–3 Months: Continued improvement and visibility of results
  • 6–12 Months: Final results take shape

Follow-Up and Support

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

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

Ongoing Communication:

  • For non-urgent questions, please email [email protected].
  • For urgent matters, contact the office directly from 9am – 5pm at (808) 585-8855.
  • For urgent matters that occur after hours, please use the physician exchange at (808) 524-2575.

Appointments: Follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Attend all scheduled appointments unless advised otherwise.

Download Complete Instructions

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

Download Rhinoplasty Pre & Post-Operative Instructions (PDF)

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

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