To schedule your surgery, call Dr. Horn’s surgical scheduler at 212-884-8297 or fax 212-889-1534. They will assist you in arranging required testing with your internist or at PACC (testing must be completed within one month of surgery).

Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), or medications containing these ingredients for two weeks before surgery. Also avoid high doses of Vitamin E (beyond your regular multivitamin) and herbal remedies like garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng, as they may increase bleeding risk.

Do not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, as smoking impairs healing.

Avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks prior to surgery. After surgery, protect your nose and scars from the sun for at least 6–12 months by using a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can worsen swelling and cause scars to darken.

Purchase two 2-pound bags of frozen peas to use as ice packs after surgery.

Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum, or candy) after midnight the night before surgery.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You cannot leave alone or take public transportation.

Give your pharmacy’s phone number to Dr. Horn’s staff so your prescriptions can be called in ahead of time. Pick them up before surgery so they are ready at home. You should also have Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment on hand to care for your incisions.

• Apply Bactroban ointment inside both nostrils with a Q-tip twice daily. Continue this after surgery (clean nostrils first with a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide).

• Wash your face and body daily with Chlorhexidine solution (prescription).

Keep the cast and tape on until Dr. Horn instructs you to remove them (or we will remove them in the office). You may carefully wash your face but avoid getting the dressing wet. When showering, protect the cast from water.

No food restrictions.

Avoid strenuous physical activity (gym, bending, straining, or heavy lifting) for 1 week. Gentle walks are fine—rest and relax as much as possible.

Avoid sun and heat for 6 weeks post-surgery, as both can cause prolonged swelling.

Some swelling and bruising around the nose, eyes, and upper lip is normal. This typically improves in 2 weeks, but subtle swelling can take up to 6 months to fully resolve.

Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Clean your stitches with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip to remove crusting, and apply a thin layer of bacitracin ointment twice daily (or more often if needed).

You may wear contact lenses the day after surgery.

You may use makeup as soon as the cast and tape are removed.

Please schedule a follow-up appointment 1 week after surgery to have your cast and stitches removed.