Rhinoplasty Before and After: Things to Consider and Recovery Tips

Pre-operative considerations for rhinoplasty are crucial for achieving successful results. Adhering to these recommendations is essential to prevent potential problems and complications during the surgical process. Failing to follow these suggestions often leads to undesirable outcomes. Therefore, those considering rhinoplasty should obtain detailed information from their doctors to manage this process effectively. This ensures a smooth experience both before and after the surgery.

The Importance of Psychological Preparation for Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a significant decision that results in permanent changes to one’s facial appearance. Therefore, it is essential to make this decision carefully and on a solid psychological foundation. Individuals who have been dissatisfied with the shape of their nose for a long time and have thoroughly considered this change are usually more satisfied with the post-operative process. It is particularly important to avoid cosmetic surgery during the following periods:

• Times of significant personal life changes
• Periods of extreme stress or high emotional pressure

Individuals who are psychologically balanced and have good relationships with their surroundings handle the surgical process more easily. Considering these factors before surgery positively affects the post-operative adaptation process.

Physical Preparation Process

It is crucial to review your personal health status before surgery. Individuals with chronic conditions should have a detailed consultation with their doctors before the planned operation. Tests conducted during this consultation determine whether the patient is ready for general anesthesia. It is beneficial to choose a time for surgery when your mental and physical health is at its best. Additionally, the use of certain medications and supplements before and after surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming the following items at least two weeks before and after the surgery:

• Medications containing acetylsalicylic acid
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Green tea, lemon juice
• Cayenne pepper, blueberries
• Fish oil capsules
• Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Echinacea
• Licorice root, Ephedra, Melatonin
• Vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, Ginger, Garlic

If any medication needs to be used before the surgery, you should consult your doctor and get approval.

Stopping Birth Control Pills Before Rhinoplasty

Patients planning rhinoplasty should stop taking birth control pills before the operation. Therefore, it is recommended to discontinue the use of these pills at least one month before the surgery.

• Hormonal Content: Birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots in the leg veins.
• Surgery Risks: Clots reaching the lung veins can cause serious complications.
• Taking Precautions: The use of pills should be stopped at least one month before the surgery.

Blood clots during and after surgery can cause serious health problems. If you have previously had conditions such as thrombophlebitis in the leg veins, inform your doctor. This way, necessary precautions can be taken before the surgery to protect the patient’s health.

Immune System Status

Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery requires a strong immune system. Patients are advised to avoid behaviors that can suppress the immune system before the surgery. High stress and excessive fatigue during this period can reduce the body’s resistance. Ideally, these conditions should be minimized in the pre-operative period.

• Avoid using drugs and alcohol.
• Avoid very strict and monotonous diets.
• Regular sleep is essential.

Meeting these conditions reduces the risk of post-operative complications and accelerates the healing process.

Reducing Smoking and Nicotine Use

It is very important for individuals preparing for rhinoplasty to avoid products containing nicotine. Nicotine adversely affects lung functions and slows down the tissue healing process. Therefore;

• It is recommended to stop smoking and using other nicotine-containing products at least one month before the surgery.
• A nicotine-free period accelerates the post-operative healing process and reduces the risk of complications.
• Getting support for quitting smoking during this period will make the process easier.

Nutritional Rules to Follow Before Nose Surgery

Adopting a healthy diet in preparation for rhinoplasty surgery is crucial for the success of the operation. The foods consumed in the pre-operative period should be easy to digest and rich in natural fiber. Patients are advised to consume the following foods to reduce the risk of complications before and after the surgery:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Eggs
• Fish
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Whole wheat bread

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid caffeinated beverages, refined products, excessively sugary carbohydrates, and alcohol. To reduce the risk of food poisoning, avoid food sold openly and ordered from outside. Drinking plenty of water during this period supports hydration and aids healing.

Medications That Need Continuous Use

The doctor must be fully informed about the patient’s current health status and medication use before and after rhinoplasty surgery. Medications should generally be continued on the morning of the surgery, but this is determined by the doctor’s specific guidance.

• Blood Pressure Medications: Usage is adjusted according to the doctor’s recommendation.
• Diabetes Medications: Important for controlling blood sugar levels.
• Thyroid Medications: Critical for regulating metabolism.

Being in communication with your doctor and following their instructions for each medication is essential for the success of the surgery.

Fasting Process to Follow Before Rhinoplasty Surgery

The fasting process before rhinoplasty surgery is crucial to prevent complications. The last meal before the surgery should be at least eight hours prior. During this period, the stomach contents should be empty to reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting during and after the surgery. If you wake up on the day of the surgery with less than eight hours until the operation, no food should be consumed. However, it is not recommended for the stomach to be empty for more than eight hours. Prolonged fasting can lead to the accumulation of stomach acid and subsequent nausea and vomiting.

• Last meal: 8 hours before the surgery
• Water consumption: Up to 6 hours before the surgery

Pre-Surgery Preparations: The Evening and Morning of the Surgery

Taking a relaxing shower the evening before the operation and going to bed early is recommended. This allows the body to rest and be ready for the surgery. On the morning of the surgery, medications that need to be taken should be taken as directed by the doctor. Additionally, the following preparations should be made in the early morning:

• Remove contact lenses
• Remove jewelry, piercings, and metal hairpins
• Do not wear makeup and do not apply nail polish
• Do not trim nasal hairs

These measures are mandatory for patient safety and the success of the operation. Properly following these steps before surgery reduces the risk of complications and speeds up the healing process.

Post-Rhinoplasty Recovery Expectations

Initially, the process begins with the placement of both internal and external splints on your nose after the operation. These splints support and protect your new nasal structure. Swelling that can be seen within the first few weeks gradually decreases, but it may take up to a year for the final nasal shape to settle. During this period, gradual and noticeable changes in your nose can be observed. Additionally, temporary swelling, especially in the mornings, may occur during the recovery period.

During your rhinoplasty recovery process, you will be given specific instructions, including:

• How to care for the surgical site
• Medications to support healing and reduce the risk of infection
• Considerations for the surgical site and your overall health
• When to contact your surgeon

These guidelines are essential for ensuring a smooth and safe recovery process.

Prof. Dr. Murat Topdağ

Prof. Dr. Murat Topdağ was born in Malatya in 1978 and completed his medical education at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, English Department. After completing his residency training at Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, he continued his academic and clinical career at the same institution. Between 2017 and 2025, he worked at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, and as of 2025, he has been serving his patients at Memorial Göztepe Hospital.
Specializing in ear, nose, and throat diseases, head and neck cancer surgery, and aesthetic nasal surgery (rhinoplasty), Prof. Dr. Topdağ is a nationally and internationally recognized surgeon. He has numerous scientific articles published in prestigious journals such as The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, Otology & Neurotology, and European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.
Prof. Dr. Topdağ performs head and neck tumor surgery using function-preserving techniques; he also has high success rates in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty. With his scientific approach, aesthetic vision, and safety-oriented surgical philosophy, he is one of the leading names in Türkiye in the field of ENT.