How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure and like any other surgery, it may cause some discomfort during the initial stages of recovery. However, if you take the right steps as advised by your surgeon, your surgery and recovery can be safe and easy with minimal risk of complications.

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides rhinoplasty (nose job) to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding communities.

Follow a Healthy Diet

A few weeks before your procedure, begin to consume a diet that is healthy and well-balanced. Vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean protein that provide adequate nutrition will strengthen your immunity, reduce infection risk, and support the healing process. Ask your doctor if you should take nutritional supplements to ensure you get the vitamins and minerals you require in sufficient quantities.

Ask Your Doctor About What to Avoid

Some foods, medications and herbal supplements can cause complications during the surgery or interfere with anesthesia or slow down the healing process. Ask your surgeon about what substances to avoid. Generally, stop consuming ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, and other herbal or homeopathic supplements.

Alcohol affects liver function and this can cause complications, so your doctor will recommend that you stop drinking during the weeks before your nose surgery.

Quit Smoking Pre and Post-Surgery

Tobacco causing a slowing of blood flow in the body and does not allow oxygen to reach the incision site quickly. This can lead to greater risk of infection and unsightly scarring and may significantly increase the recovery period. Smokers are not prohibited from undergoing rhinoplasty, but they must quit smoking for at least a fortnight both before and following the procedure.

Get Advice About Stopping Medication

During your pre-operative consultation, tell your surgeon about all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take. They will advise you about temporarily stopping certain drugs or prescribe alternatives that will not interfere with the surgery and recovery. Generally, doctors take patients off aspirin, blood thinners, and ibuprofen a few days before the surgery.

Prepare for Surgery After-Care

Recovery from rhinoplasty may take a few weeks. Make preparations to take off from work for at least a week. Arrange to have someone drive you home after the rhinoplasty. You may find it difficult to chew following surgery, so purchase soft foods to last you for a few days until the pain and annoyance subsides. Get someone to stay with you for a couple of days immediately after the procedure to help with daily chores.

Follow Instructions for Surgery Day

Get enough rest on the night before your nose surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Wash your face and hair before reaching the hospital to reduce chances of bacterial contamination. Do not apply any cosmetics on your face on the day of surgery.

Taking all these measures helps you prepare for your rhinoplasty surgery. Keeping your mind calm and cultivating a positive outlook can also play an important role in ensuring a good recovery. Plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for nose job.

Contact Virginia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sundin Today for a Consultation

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, VA, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Tidewater, Sullfolk, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.