Nasal Surgery: Preparing for Surgery

Nasal surgery may be done at your doctor's office, a surgery center, or a hospital. You will be told how to get ready for surgery. Follow these directions carefully. And be sure you have your questions answered before the procedure.

Follow all the instructions you are given. Plus:

• Tell your doctor about any medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other implantable medical device.
• Sign a form consenting to the surgery. Be certain all of your questions are answered before you sign.
• Ask your doctor if you should stop any aspirin or ibuprofen before surgery.
• Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
• Don't wear makeup, jewelry, or contact lenses to surgery.
• Have an adult family member or friend drive you home after surgery.

You may spend the night in the hospital. But this is uncommon. Your doctor can talk about this possibility with you.

You will be given medicine to keep you from feeling pain during surgery. This is called anesthesia. Your doctor will talk with you about the type you will have. You may have one of three types.

• Local anesthesia. This numbs the nose and area around it. You will remain awake. Expect to hear noises and see movement during the surgery.
• Monitored anesthesia care. This makes you drowsy or lightly asleep during surgery. You can still expect to hear some sounds.
• General anesthesia. This puts you into a state like deep sleep during surgery. You will hear and remember nothing.