Question: Before a rhinoplasty surgery I was informed that you should not eat breakfast. In this case, how long after the surgery is it possible to eat? Will it be difficult after the surgery with the anesthesia and a swollen nose?
Answer: You are instructed to have an empty stomach going into surgery due to the anesthesia. We do not want you to vomit food or drinks and then potentially aspirate on the stomach content! I allow my patients to eat pretty much whatever they want after they wake up from surgery as long as they are not nauseated but starting slow with liquids and ice cream and ramping up to more solid foods is a good idea.
