We would like your nose to be in relatively good shape prior to surgery — not acutely infected and not brimming with polyps. We often will put patients on prophylactic antibiotics for infections and a tapering dose of steroids for polyposis. We certainly do not want the patient to have a fever around the time of surgery.
Avoid aspirin or non-steroidals the week prior to surgery. It is a good idea to trim the hairs of your nose the evening prior to surgery. The nurses in the pre-op area may be asked to spray your nose with Afrin for preoperative decongestion.