Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. In the United States, more than 220,000 nose jobs are performed every year.
The outcome of rhinoplasty doesn’t just depend on the surgeon’s qualification and experience. It’s up to the patient to prepare for the procedure and follow the doctor’s advice carefully.
Let’s take a closer look at what to do before rhinoplasty surgery.
1. Speak To the Surgeon
A preliminary doctor’s consultation is an integral part of any cosmetic surgery. To make sure your procedure goes smoothly, you need to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Besides being straightforward about your medical history, medications you take, and counter-indications you are aware of, consider asking the doctor the following questions:
- Are you a member of the American Board of FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY?
- How many years of experience do you have in this field?
- How many rhinoplasty procedures have you performed?
- Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
- Where will you perform the procedure?
- How will the rhinoplasty be performed?
- What surgical technique do you recommend for my case?
- How long will recovery take?
- What happens if there are complications?
- What options do I have in case I’m not satisfied with the surgery results?
- Can I look at before and after photos of your work?
- Can I look at a video of a rhinoplasty you performed?
- What kind of anesthesia will I be under?
Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you wish. A rhinoplasty can be a life-changing (in a good way) operation so there isn’t anything wrong with being fully prepared.
2. Prepare for Recovery
It takes about 7 to 14 days to recover from rhinoplasty well enough to resume your normal activities. Right after the surgery, you’ll experience swelling and bruising. You are likely to prefer staying at home for several days after the procedure or at least until the cast is removed.
To ensure a quick recovery, consider making a few preparations:
- Stock up on medical supplies — ask your surgeon about the medication you may need after the surgery and buy it in advance. Fill all the necessary prescriptions.
- Buy food and beverages — make sure you have enough water and healthy snacks to ensure proper nourishment and hydration after the surgery.
- Arrange childcare and pet care — ask someone to help you with children and pets for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
- Prepare practical clothing — consider buying loose or button-up shirts. Pulling clothing over your head can be uncomfortable.
Consider asking a friend or a family member to stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure or at least be on call in case you need something.
Important: You will need someone to drive you home after the surgery.
4. Adjust Your Diet
Any surgery is a stress for your body. In order to help it through the procedure and recovery, consider adjusting your diet. Try to exclude processed foods and increase fibrous food intake. This can help you avoid constipation that may accompany anesthetics and post-surgery medications.
Maintain a healthy diet all the way through the recovery process to help your body heal quickly. However, try to avoid any drastic changes in your diet and lifestyle before the surgery.
5. Arrange a Leave of Absence
The total rhinoplasty recovery period varies from patient to patient.
Consider taking at least 7-10 days off work to give yourself time to recover. If you are working remotely, you’ll still need several days to get back in shape.
If your job requires heavy lifting or other strenuous activities, consult your doctor about the recommended duration of your leave.
6. Do Blood Tests
Before the procedure, your doctor will need to run several tests to make sure you are ready for the surgery. The blood tests will show:
- Hemoglobin levels
- Blood clotting abilities
- HCG levels (to reveal pregnancy for women)
- And whatever else your doctor needs to check.
You can either do the bloodwork at the plastic surgery clinic or use a lab of your choice.
What NOT to do Before Rhinoplasty
Here are a few things you should NOT do before rhinoplasty.
- Drink alcohol — at least a week before the surgery. Alcohol can alter the effect of anesthetic medicine. It can also interfere with proper blood clotting.
- Smoke cigarettes — at least a week before the surgery and during the recovery period. Substances in cigarette smoke interfere with respiratory function and anesthesia drug metabolism.
- Expose unprotected skin to UV rays — several days before the surgery and during the recovery period. Getting a sunburn before the surgery could increase the risk of inflammation and bleeding. It could also slow down the recovery process.
- Complicated skincare regimen — at least four days before the surgery (the doctor will explain which topical creams, cleansers, and makeup to avoid)
- Eating and drinking — after midnight on the day of the procedure to avoid vomiting in response to anesthesia.
Your surgeon will also give you a list of medicine you can’t take before the surgery. It will include anticoagulants (blood thinners), NSAIDs, and certain herbs and supplements.
Getting Ready for Your Rhinoplasty Procedure
Being fully prepared for rhinoplasty surgery can contribute to its success and shorten the recovery process. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor multiple questions about the procedure. Being fully informed isn’t just important for proper preparations. It can help relieve anxiety before the surgery.
Would you like to learn more about getting ready for rhinoplasty? Please contact our office at any convenient time to set up a consultation.
