What Should Be Done Before Rhinoplasty?

Preparations before nose surgery include a detailed examination, completion of the necessary tests, and evaluation of the patient’s health condition. These preparations increase the safety of the operation.

Blood-thinning medications must be discontinued before surgery. Otherwise, the risk of bleeding during the operation may increase.

Since smoking and alcohol consumption negatively affect the healing process, they should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery. These habits impair the oxygenation of tissues.

A proper diet and regular sleep are also important during the preoperative period. A healthy lifestyle accelerates the postoperative recovery process and reduces the risk of complications.

Why Is Drinking Plenty of Water Important Before Nose Surgery?

Adequate hydration before nose surgery is highly important. Keeping the body well hydrated is among the factors that directly affect the success of the operation. The surgical process places considerable stress on the tissues, and one way to reduce this burden is to optimize the body’s water levels. Well-hydrated tissues become more resistant to surgical procedures. This reduces the risk of complications that may occur during and after the operation. It also improves the body’s response to anesthesia, allowing the anesthesia to work more effectively and helping prevent possible side effects.

• Improved Circulation and Oxygenation: Proper hydration enables tissues to receive better oxygenation and nourishment. This provides greater resilience against surgical intervention.
• Healing and Reduction of Complications: Flexible tissues adapt better to surgery and minimize side effects such as excessive postoperative swelling and bruising.
• Optimal Anesthesia Response: Adequate water intake contributes to more effective metabolism of anesthesia and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.
• Reducing Inflammation: Hydration helps balance the body’s inflammatory response, allowing the postoperative healing process to progress more quickly and smoothly.
• Supporting Detoxification: Adequate fluid intake allows the kidneys to filter toxins from the body more effectively, which accelerates healing.

Which Foods Should I Consume Before Rhinoplasty?

Proper nutrition before rhinoplasty prepares the body for surgery and accelerates the healing process. Consuming protein-rich foods supports tissue repair. Therefore, lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are important. Legumes and tofu are also rich in protein. Vitamin C in particular strengthens the immune system and contributes to tissue repair by increasing collagen production. Foods rich in this vitamin include:

• Citrus fruits
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Leafy greens

Zinc is also an important mineral that supports healing. Zinc-rich foods include beef, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and beans. Anti-inflammatory foods reduce inflammation that may occur after surgery. Prominent examples of such foods include:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Olive oil
• Spices (turmeric, ginger)

Adequate water consumption helps the body maintain fluid balance before and after surgery. At least 8-10 glasses of water should be consumed daily. Whole grains also support the body during the healing process. Consuming whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread helps balance blood sugar levels and improve overall health.

How Should I Prepare My Skin for Rhinoplasty?

Skin preparation before rhinoplasty plays a critical role in the success of the surgery. Special steps should be taken to cleanse the skin in the days before the surgical procedure. On the morning of the procedure and the night before, the skin should be thoroughly cleansed of makeup, oil, and dirt. No skincare products should be used after this cleansing because these products may leave residue on the skin’s surface and affect the surgical process.

Sun exposure may damage the skin and negatively affect the healing process. Therefore:

• Sun exposure should be avoided during the weeks before surgery.
• If sun exposure is unavoidable, a broad-spectrum sunscreen should be used.

Care should also be taken regarding the use of skincare products. Products that may irritate the skin should especially be avoided:

• Retinoids, exfoliants, and strong acids should be discontinued at least one week before surgery.

During this period, the skincare routine must be adjusted to prepare the skin for surgery. This routine makes the skin less sensitive and less prone to complications. Limiting the routine to cleansing and moisturizing rather than using topical skincare products until the day of surgery helps keep the skin in optimal condition. When skin preparation for rhinoplasty is carried out carefully in this way, the postoperative healing process progresses more quickly and smoothly.

Which Medications Should I Stop Before Rhinoplasty?

Medication use must be carefully managed before rhinoplasty. Blood thinners in particular should be discontinued at least two weeks before the operation because they may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

Blood Thinners:

• Aspirin
• NSAIDs
• Clopidogrel and similar medications

Certain over-the-counter medications, especially decongestants, should be avoided before surgery. Medications used for menstrual pain may also increase the risk of bleeding.

Vitamins and Herbal Supplements:

• Vitamin E
• Fish Oil
• Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon, Echinacea

Steroids and certain skin medications may also affect the healing process. If you use steroids such as prednisone, you should consult your doctor regarding their use. Isotretinoin, used in acne treatment, may seriously delay healing and should therefore be discontinued at least two months before surgery.

Smoking and Alcohol:

• Smoking should be stopped at least two days before and after surgery.
• Alcohol should be stopped at least two days before surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should blood tests before nose surgery be performed on an empty or full stomach?

Blood tests performed before nose surgery are generally conducted on an empty stomach because fasting allows certain blood values to be measured more accurately. In particular, the patient is advised not to eat anything for at least eight hours so that values such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and clotting factors can be clearly determined. The fasting period is specified by the doctor, and the patient is given detailed information before surgery. Some blood tests do not require fasting, but tests performed on an empty stomach generally provide more reliable results before surgical procedures. If the patient regularly uses medication, they should consult their doctor to learn how to take it. Since blood test results are important for ensuring that the surgery is performed safely, the doctor’s instructions must be followed.

Are antibiotics used before nose surgery?

The use of antibiotics before nose surgery depends on the doctor’s recommendation. If the patient has a risk of infection or an inflammatory condition inside the nose, the doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment before surgery. Antibiotics may make the healing process safer by reducing the risk of infection during surgery. However, antibiotic use is not necessary for every patient. If the patient’s general health condition is good and the risk of infection is low, the surgery may be performed without antibiotics. The doctor determines whether antibiotics are necessary based on the preoperative examination and test results. Following the doctor’s recommendations and taking medications regularly helps prevent postoperative complications.

Which tests are requested before nose surgery?

Various tests are performed before nose surgery to evaluate the patient’s general health condition. Blood tests are among the most important examinations and include analyses such as a complete blood count, blood clotting tests, and liver and kidney function tests. The patient’s blood type is also determined, and certain viral tests may be performed to assess the risk of infection. In addition, electrocardiography, a chest X-ray, and, in some cases, hormone tests may be requested. These tests are performed to determine whether the patient is suitable for anesthesia during surgery. If the patient has a chronic disease or a specific health condition, the doctor may request additional tests. Preoperative tests are highly important for ensuring that the surgery is performed safely.

How should the nose be cleaned before nose surgery?

The nose should be cleaned carefully before nose surgery because reducing bacteria inside the nose lowers the risk of infection. Doctors generally recommend special nasal irrigation solutions or antiseptic nasal sprays before surgery. These products clean microbes from inside the nose and reduce the possibility of infection during surgery. Harsh movements should be avoided during nasal cleaning, and the inside of the nose should be cleaned gently. If the patient experiences dryness or irritation inside the nose, moisturizing nasal sprays recommended by the doctor may be used. Paying attention to nasal hygiene before surgery makes the recovery process more comfortable and helps prevent postoperative complications.

Prof. Dr. Murat Songu

Prof. Dr. Murat Songu – Burun Estetiği (Rinoplasti) Uzmanı

Prof. Dr. Murat Songu, 1976 yılında İzmir’de doğmuş, tıp eğitimini Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde tamamladıktan sonra Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Kulak Burun Boğaz Anabilim Dalı’nda uzmanlık eğitimini tamamlamıştır. 2005–2006 yıllarında Fransa’nın Bordeaux kentinde Prof. Vincent Darrouzet ve Dr. Guy Lacher gibi rinoloji alanının önde gelen cerrahlarıyla çalışarak rinoplasti, fonksiyonel burun cerrahisi ve kafa tabanı cerrahisi üzerine ileri eğitim almıştır.

Burun estetiğinde doğal görünüm, nefes fonksiyonunun korunması ve yüz estetiği dengesini ön planda tutan Prof. Dr. Songu, açık teknik rinoplasti, piezo (ultrasonik) rinoplasti, revizyon rinoplasti, burun ucu estetiği ve fonksiyonel septorinoplasti operasyonlarında ulusal ve uluslararası düzeyde tanınan bir cerrahtır. Yurt içi ve yurt dışında çok sayıda rinoplasti kongresinde eğitici ve konuşmacı olarak yer almış; yüz estetiği ve burun cerrahisinde modern tekniklerin yaygınlaşmasına öncülük etmiştir.

100’den fazla bilimsel yayını, kitap bölümü yazarlıkları ve 1700’ü aşkın uluslararası atfıyla rinoplasti alanında Türkiye’nin en saygın akademisyenlerinden biri olan Prof. Dr. Murat Songu, doğal, yüzle uyumlu ve fonksiyonel sonuçlar hedefleyen cerrahi yaklaşımıyla hem bilimsel hem estetik başarıları bir araya getirmektedir.