PRE / POST RHINO OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE FOLLOW POST-CARE PROVIDED BY OUR CLINIC


PLEASE NOTE: If you have any concerns or questions prior to your surgery, you are encouraged to speak to Dr. Alghonaim in advance to ensure you are fully prepared for your surgical date.



1. What to AVOID 2 Weeks Before Surgery:


  • Smoking
  • Naturopathic or herbal medications
  • Remove Gel/Acrylic nails and nail polish on fingers and toes for surgery
  • MUST DISCONTINUE: Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen, as these products may increase bleeding.
  • MUST AVOID: Garlic Extract, Fish Oils and Vitamin E and Arnica

2. What you Need:


  • Q-Tips
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Fucidin  Ointment
  • Saline Nasal Spray 
  • Gauze pads
  • Surgical Tape
  • Tylenol
  • Small Ice Packs (to be placed under the eyes/beside nose)
  • Travel Neck Pillow /Airplane Neck Pillow
  • Vitamin C – Patients may take up to 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  • Prescription for anti-biotic and pain will be provided by the hospital on the day of your surgery 
  • Recommended: Arnica, a herbal Supplement to help minimize bruising and swelling. To be taken following surgery. 

3. What you need to know:


  • If you take medications for Diabetes or Hypertension: Please take your medication the morning of your surgery
  • Remove all piercings, gel/shellac/nail polish and make-up before for your surgery
  • No food or drinks past midnight the night before
  • Arrive at the hospital 3 hours prior to surgery
  • Your rhinoplasty surgery may be 1-2 hours in length
  • You will remain in recovery for up to 2 hours following your surgery
  • Ensure you have a family member or friend to drive you home
  • Often patients experience heightened anxiety around the surgical period. This is normal.
  • The splint will remain in place for 7-10 days.
  • Change Surgical Dressing (gauze taped beneath the nose) as needed for the first 24 – 48 hours.
  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first 7 days.
  • Sleep on your back, preferred for 2 weeks
  • Standard post-operative swelling may last for up to 4-6 weeks.
  • Take prescribed anti-biotic as prescribed. 
  • Should you develop a rash, DISCONTINUE medication and contact our clinic.
  • Your eyes may become quite swollen and bruised. You may get red spots on the white areas of your eyes. These side effects generally last 2-3 weeks.
  • Your nose will feel congested and you may find it difficult to breathe for at least 2-3 weeks.
  • You may have mild bleeding from the front of your nose or down the back of your throat for a few days.
  • Your nose will be painful and tender for 2-3 weeks
  • Your throat may be sore for several days

4. What to AVOID post-surgery:


  • AVOID direct stream of water on your face for one week.
  • AVOID getting your SPLINT wet as it may fall off prematurely.
  • AVOID Sneezing through your nose. Try to sneeze through your mouth.
  • TIP: Tickle roof of the mouth with your tongue can help prevent sneezing or open your mouth.
  • AVOID Blowing your nose for up to 4 weeks. Recommended blowing very gently.
  • AVOID Picking at scabs. This can cause scarring.
  • AVOID Bending over or lifting heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise your blood pressure and start haemorrhage.
  • AVOID Smoking for one month especially throughout the Recovery Period as smoking may prolong the healing
  • AVOID Naturopathic, Herbal medications and supplements, Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen for 2 weeks, as these products may prolong swelling.
  • AVOID Moderate physical exercise for up to 4 weeks post-op.
  • AVOID strenuous physical exercise for up to 6 weeks post-op.
  • AVOID direct sun exposure to incisions for up to 12 months. Use a minimum of SPF 45 daily.
  • AVOID Wearing Glasses for 6 weeks. Glasses MUST be taped to the forehead.
  • AVOID Hot saunas.
  • RECOMMENDED: Cool Mist Humidifiers at your bedside for 2-4 weeks

Common Concerns About The Appearance of the Nose Following Rhinoplasty Surgery


  • The Tip of the nose often appears turned-up or “pig-like” at first. This is partially because of swelling in the upper lip and from taping. The Tip will fall especially in the first 2 weeks and then more slowly after that. It is important that the tip be slightly over-rotated at first so that it is not too droopy when it finally heals.
  • Asymmetrical swelling is normal and related to the amount of bleeding that occurred at the time of surgery. This will improve over time.
  • When the splint is removed there is often swelling where the bump used to be. Swelling does go down with time depending on the body’s healing process.
  • The upper lip is very stiff after surgery. It moves very little and can make your smile seem strange. Usually related to swelling at the base of the nose. This always returns to normal with time especially after the first 2 weeks

If you experience any of the following listed below, please contact Dr. Alghonaim assistant  directly by phone +966503779797, 


  • If you develop a large firm mass extending from the surgical area.
  • If you develop a rash, persistent fever, chills or sweating.
  • If you notice a foul odour or yellow drainage coming from the incision sites.
  • If you experience severe pain, that is not controlled with Tylenol.
  • If you experience persistent bleeding that does not resolve in 20 minutes or with direct pressure.
  • Persistent vomiting and inability to drink liquids for greater than 4 hours
  • Shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs

If you are unable to reach us, PLEASE visit your nearest Emergency Department


Please Notify Dr. Alghonaim  of any unexpected admission to the hospital within 10 days of your procedure.