What to Avoid Before Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty outcomes are shaped by more than what happens in the operating theatre. What you do in the weeks leading up to surgery matters considerably — certain medications, supplements, and habits can increase bleeding risk, impair healing, or interact with anaesthesia in ways that affect both safety and recovery. Getting this right is straightforward once you know what to look for.

This guide covers the main things to stop or avoid before rhinoplasty, and why each one matters. Dr Turner’s team will provide specific pre-operative instructions tailored to your procedure and health history at your pre-surgery appointment. Always follow those instructions directly — this guide is a general reference, not a substitute for personalised surgical advice.

Medications to Stop Before Rhinoplasty

Anti-inflammatories and blood thinners

This is the most important category. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil), naproxen (Naprogesic), and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the blood’s ability to clot. Taking them before surgery increases the risk of bleeding during the operation and in the early recovery period. Stop all NSAIDs at least two weeks before surgery.

Paracetamol (Panadol) is safe for pain relief in the lead-up to surgery and is the recommended alternative.

Prescription blood thinners such as warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, clopidogrel, and aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular reasons require careful management. Do not simply stop these on your own — discuss the timing with both Dr Turner’s team and the prescribing doctor well in advance of your surgery date.

Hormone-based medications

The oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) around the time of surgery. Dr Turner will advise on whether to pause these medications before rhinoplasty, and if so, for how long. This conversation needs to happen at consultation, not the week before surgery.

Antidepressants and other prescription medications

Some antidepressants, particularly MAOIs and SSRIs, can interact with anaesthetic agents or affect bleeding. Do not stop any prescribed psychiatric medication without discussing it with your prescribing doctor first. Dr Turner’s anaesthetist will review your complete medication list before surgery and advise on any adjustments.

Supplements to Stop Before Rhinoplasty

Many common supplements affect blood clotting and should be stopped at least three weeks before surgery. The most important ones to be aware of:

Vitamin E — one of the more significant supplement-related bleeding risks. Stop at least three weeks before surgery.

Fish oil and omega-3 supplements — reduce clotting. Stop three weeks before surgery.

Garlic supplements — affect platelet function. Stop three weeks before surgery. Garlic as a cooking ingredient is fine.

Ginkgo biloba — affects clotting. Stop three weeks before surgery.

Ginseng and St John’s Wort — both interact with anaesthesia and affect bleeding. Stop three weeks before surgery.

Vitamin C and multivitamins — discuss with Dr Turner’s team. Standard multivitamin doses are generally lower risk, but high-dose supplementation should be flagged.

When in doubt, stop it. If you are unsure whether a supplement you take is relevant, bring a complete list to your pre-operative appointment.

Nicotine

Stopping nicotine well before rhinoplasty is one of the most clinically significant things you can do to support your outcome. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen delivery to healing tissue, and significantly increases the risk of complications including poor wound healing, prolonged swelling, infection, and skin necrosis in severe cases.

This applies to all forms of nicotine: cigarettes, vaping, patches, gum, and lozenges.

Stop at least eight weeks before surgery. This is not a preference — it is a clinical requirement. Dr Turner may postpone surgery if nicotine use is identified at or before the operation. Nicotine testing may be performed pre-operatively.

Alcohol

Alcohol affects clotting, interacts with anaesthesia and pain medication, and impairs immune function during the healing period.

Stop alcohol at least two weeks before surgery. Some patients find it easier to stop completely from the point of booking to the point of surgery — that approach is encouraged.

Herbal Teas and Natural Remedies

Several herbal teas and natural remedies have blood-thinning or drug-interaction properties that aren’t widely known. Chamomile, ginger, green tea in large quantities, and various Chinese herbal medicines can all affect bleeding or anaesthesia. Disclose anything you take regularly at your pre-operative appointment, including things that seem innocuous.

Fasting Instructions

You will receive specific fasting instructions from Dr Turner’s team and the hospital before surgery. These must be followed exactly.

As a general guide, rhinoplasty requires:

• No food from midnight the night before surgery (or for at least six to eight hours)
• No water or clear fluids from two hours before surgery
• Essential medications may be taken with a small sip of water only, as specifically directed by Dr Turner’s anaesthetist

Failure to fast correctly is the most common reason surgeries are postponed on the day. If you are unsure about anything, call the hospital or Dr Turner’s rooms before the scheduled procedure.

The Week Before Surgery

In addition to the medication and supplement restrictions above, the week before surgery is a good time to:

• Stop using medicated skincare products on the face, including retinoids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide — these can affect skin healing
• Avoid significant sun exposure to the face
• Avoid any facial treatments, injectables, or cosmetic procedures
• Confirm your transport and care arrangements for surgery day and the first week of recovery
• Arrange time off work — most patients need at least one to two weeks away from desk-based work

On the Day of Surgery

• Arrive with a clean face, no makeup, moisturisers, or skincare products
• Remove all jewellery and nail polish
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not need to go over your head — a zip-up or button-front top is ideal
• Do not drive yourself to or from the hospital

AHPRA Requirements Before Rhinoplasty

Under AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines (effective 1 July 2023), the following must be completed before any cosmetic rhinoplasty can proceed:

• A referral from your GP or a specialist physician
• A minimum of two consultations with Dr Turner
• A psychological evaluation to confirm suitability
• A mandatory cooling-off period before formal consent is given

These are regulatory requirements, not optional steps. Dr Turner’s team will coordinate each stage with you throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before rhinoplasty should I stop taking ibuprofen and aspirin?

Stop all anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen (Nurofen) and aspirin at least two weeks before your rhinoplasty date. These medications reduce blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Paracetamol (Panadol) is a safe alternative for pain relief in the lead-up to surgery. If you take aspirin or other blood thinners for a cardiovascular condition, discuss the timing of stopping with both Dr Turner’s team and your prescribing doctor well in advance of surgery.

Do I need to stop fish oil and supplements before rhinoplasty?

Yes. Fish oil, omega-3 supplements, vitamin E, garlic supplements, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and St John’s Wort all affect blood clotting or interact with anaesthesia. Stop these at least three weeks before your surgery date. If you take a multivitamin or any other supplement regularly, bring a complete list to your pre-operative appointment so Dr Turner’s team can advise on anything else that needs to be stopped.

How long before rhinoplasty do I need to stop smoking?

At least eight weeks before surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and significantly impairs tissue healing, increasing the risk of wound complications, prolonged swelling, and infection. This applies to all nicotine products including cigarettes, vaping, patches, gum, and lozenges. Dr Turner may postpone surgery if nicotine use is detected at or before the operation. Stopping as early as possible — ideally from the time you book surgery — is strongly encouraged.

Can I drink alcohol before rhinoplasty surgery?

Stop alcohol at least two weeks before your surgery date. Alcohol affects blood clotting, interacts with general anaesthesia and post-operative pain medication, and impairs immune function during healing. Stopping completely from the point of booking through to the end of recovery is the approach that best supports a smooth outcome.

What happens if I eat or drink before rhinoplasty?

Eating or drinking before general anaesthesia creates a risk of aspiration, a serious anaesthetic complication where stomach contents enter the airway. For this reason, fasting instructions must be followed exactly. If you arrive having eaten or drunk within the restricted timeframe, surgery will be postponed. You will receive specific fasting instructions from Dr Turner’s team and the hospital before your procedure. As a general guide, no food from midnight and no fluids from two hours before surgery — but always follow the specific instructions you receive.

Consult with Dr Scott J Turner

Dr Turner consults for rhinoplasty in Sydney at Bondi Junction and Manly. He also sees patients in Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast. Surgery is performed in Sydney at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.

Contact the practice to arrange a consultation, or read more about Dr Turner’s background and training.