It is best to explain the surgical procedures involved in the operation to the patient in simple terms and make sure that any inherent difficulties are clearly understood. A detailed description of the postoperative period and recovery time is also of crucial importance, so that the patient is fully aware of what to expect. It must be emphasized that time should never be an issue during the preoperative examination or examinations, in the sense that everything must be clearly defined and understood by the patient and the surgeon alike with no haste or approximation. The following tests are prescribed in preparation to the operation: azotemia, blood sugar, creatinine, bilirubin (total and direct), transaminase (GOT - GPT), CPK, γGT, cholinesterase, electrolytes, serum protein electrophoresis, complete blood count, platelet count, prothrombin time, PTT, INR, fibrinogen, urine examination, electrocardiogram and chest X-ray.
The rhinoplasty preparation protocol also includes an interview with the anaesthetist or an examination, if required. About one month before the operation, in order to reduce bleeding, the patient must stop taking aspirin and contraceptive pills and must promptly report the use of other medicinal substances, so that it can be decided whether they too should be stopped.