I have a cold. I am sneezing, coughing and have congestion. Should I postpone surgery?

Question

I am scheduled for rhinoplasty on Monday morning. It's Saturday and I have a cold. Will my doctor still perform my surgery?

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is elective surgery.  It should be done under the best conditions possible.  An  upper respiratory infection and the symptoms associated with it could complicate surgery.  If you were my patient I would recommend postponing surgery.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

A primary concern with any surgical procedure should be safety. If you were my patient I would recommend postponing surgery until you were over your cold in order to diminish the risk of potential complications.Robert Singer, MD  FACSLa Jolla, California

Sanaz Harirchian, MD · Answer

Hi kris03. I would recommend contacting your doctor directly and explaining the situation. If you are coughing and have congestion, the anesthesiologists may not feel that it is safe to put you under anesthesia for an elective surgery. Good luck. Best, Dr H

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

If you were my patient, we would need to postpone surgery until you are over the cold.  Rhinoplasty is elective surgery, and should be performed when you are feeling well.  Best wishes and feel better!

I have a cold. I am sneezing, coughing and have congestion. Should I postpone surgery?

Answers (4)

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