Rhinoplasty Preparation & Recovery Tips

If you’re considering a rhinoplasty, chances are, you’ve done your research on the procedure and have made certain it’s the right choice for you. Once you’ve committed to the surgery, here’s what you need to know to make your rhinoplasty go off without a hitch.

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the more common cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. According to recent statistics, more than 30,000 were performed in the last year alone, most of them with minimal complications and a smooth recovery. There are several things that a patient can do prior to his surgery that will make the entire process go smoothly.

During the weeks leading up to your operation, be careful to avoid taking any aspirin or aspirin related products, including medicines containing acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These medicines may thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding after surgery, and contributing to potentially dangerous complications. In case of pain or fever, a small dose of Tylenol is considered the safest option. Many doctors also suggest the use of vitamin supplements, particularly those containing iron and vitamins C and E, to speed up the healing process. It is also important that patients who smoke stop doing so two weeks prior to having the rhinoplasty performed, and remain nicotine free for a minimum of two weeks after the operation, as smoking greatly reduces the circulation and can lead to necrosis and a slower, more painful recovery process.

On the day before your scheduled surgery, take advantage of the time to finish up any last-minute preparations that need to be made for your recovery. Be sure that the supplies for cold compresses---such as ice or frozen packages of vegetables, cold packs and gauze--- are readily available and accessible to the recovering patient. See that the pantry is well-stocked with easily digestible, post-operative foods such as juice, soup and crackers. Make sure that any prescriptions for pain relievers or other medicines have been filled and picked up. Check to see that your recovery area has everything you might need or want close at hand: books, remote controls, the phone or computer, snacks and other items.

The evening before the surgery, remember to wash your face with an antibacterial skin cleaner, in order to kill any germs or bacteria that could lead to an infection following the operation. Be sure not to eat after midnight, to avoid the risk of becoming nauseous after the procedure, and try to get a good night’s rest in preparation for the coming procedure.

Before going to the hospital for your rhinoplasty, wash your face once more to get rid of any lingering germs or bacteria, and avoid applying any cosmetics or using products to your hair, such as mousse or hair spray. Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the hospital or clinic, and try to relax as much as possible in the time leading up to the procedure.

By taking the necessary steps to properly prepare for your surgery, you can reduce the amount of pain experienced, decrease the risk of infection and complications, and make the recovery time less difficult. In addition, it can also diminish the risk of excess bleeding and ease the stress for those assisting the patient in your recovery.

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