How you prepare

Before scheduling septoplasty, you'll meet with your surgeon to discuss benefits and risks of the surgery. This meeting generally includes:

• Your medical history. Your doctor will ask about conditions you have or have had, as well as any current medications or supplements that you're taking.
• A physical examination. You'll have a physical exam, including any relevant tests. The doctor will inspect your skin and the inside and outside of your nose.
• Photographs. Someone from your doctor's office may take photographs of your nose from different angles. Your doctor can use these photos for discussion before septoplasty or for reference during and after surgery.
• A discussion of your expectations. You and your doctor should talk about your expectations. He or she will explain what septoplasty can and can't do for you and what your results might be.

Food and medications

Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) before and after surgery. These medications may increase bleeding. Take only those medications approved or prescribed by your surgeon.

Other precautions

If you smoke, stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of having problems during and after surgery. Smoking can slow the healing process.