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Surgery Information
SURGERY GUIDE
Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions both BEFORE and AFTER surgery. By following them carefully, you will assist in obtaining the best possible result from your surgery.
If you're considering rhinoplasty, your journey begins with a private consultation. During this visit, Dr. Toma will evaluate your nasal structure, discuss your goals, and explain the benefits, risks, and surgical options—including whether an open or closed approach is best.
To personalize your surgical plan, Dr. Toma will take photographs and may use computer imaging to simulate expected results. This is typically reviewed at a follow-up appointment, either in-office or virtually. You’ll receive detailed preoperative instructions and be asked to arrange for someone to drive you home and assist during early recovery. Some medications may need to be paused or adjusted to reduce bleeding risks.
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General anesthesia will be used meaning you will be asleep and comfortable the whole surgery
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Cartilage is sculpted and the nasal bones are shaved and repositioned.Rhinoplasty is performed by making incisions inside the nose and at the base of the nose
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Typical duration of surgery is 2-3 hours but the exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure
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Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed at an outpatient surgery center and you will be discharged home the same day.
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Most likely you will be discharged home with an external nasal splint adhesively attached
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You will not be allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight before your day of surgery
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Your surgeon may require you to get medical clearance from your primary care physician, requiring a note from your doctor or ordering basic lab tests to ensure safe surgery
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Smoke can severely affect the outcome of your surgery. You will be required to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before surgery and an additional month afterwards.
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Certain medication's continue blood such as aspirin, ibuprofen (advil and motrin), and Aleeve. Certain vitamins and supplements contain your blood as well such as vitamin E, St. John's wort, and Ginko. It is best to avoid these medication's for 10 days prior to surgery.
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Your doctor will tell you which medications you can take the morning of the surgery, taken with very small sips of water
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The anesthesiologists can not put you to sleep safely unless you are on an empty stomach.
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If you're taking any prescribed anticoagulation please be sure to let Dr. Toma know so he can reach out to your primary care doctor to get clearance for you to stop that medication prior to surgery
This was my first visit to see Dr. Toma, He was very nice very professional and I really appreciated his input and help. All his office staff were very pleasant too. The office was immaculate. It was a great first visit.
-Google patient review
RHINOPLASTY TIMELINE
Pain is mild, but swelling and bruising can be significant and may last for up to 2 weeks or longer. Most people look “normal” within 3 weeks. Time off from work or school varies but most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off depending on how visible they are to coworkers and clients. A nasal splint is placed on the outside of the nose and remains in place for one week. Patients are instructed to sleep with their head elevated on pillows for a few days to reduce swelling. Iced compresses can also be used to control swelling. Nasal packing is not used usually.
Daily Care
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It's really important to keep the nose moist after surgery. Dr. Toma encourages the use of nasal saline spray at least four times daily.
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Feel free to use cold compresses or ice packs near your eyes and cheeks to help reduce swelling in the first day or two
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Keep all skin incisions CLEAN. Do. not allow dry blood to build up. This can impair healing. Use cotton swabs and hyrdrogen peroxide to gently remove blood
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After the doctor removes your cast, the skin of your nose may be gently cleansed with mild soap. Expect some bruising and discoloration
Sleep
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To reduce swelling, sleep with head elevated for the firt 2-3 days after surgery
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Keep cast on all day and night for the first week after surgery
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Brush teeth gently
Avoid
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Do not blow nose until instructed, dab or wipe gently with Kleenex
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If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid pressure build up
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Avoid smiling, grinning, and execessive facial movements for one week. Avoid manipulation of the upper lip to keep nose at rest
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To avoid bumping your new nose accidentally, it is recommenced to wear button front shirts and avoid crew necks and turtleneck shirts in the first 2 weeks
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Do not allow sunglasses or eyeglasses to rest on the bridge of your nose for atleast 4 weeks.
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Avoid sun exposure to your nose for at least 3 months. This includes tanning booths. Expect some bruising and discoloration, as well as swelling of the nose. Dr. Toma encourages the use of sunblock as well when exposed to the sun
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You may start to gradually exercise after two weeks. No contact sports for at least 6 weeks
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Take only medication given to you. NO APSIRIN OR IBUPROFEN for seven days prior
Bathing
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After the doctor removes your cast, the skin of your nose may be gently cleansed with mild soap. Expect some bruising and discoloration.
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KEEP THE NASAL CAST DRY. Take tub baths if necessary and have someone else wash your hair in order to keep it dry
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