To make sure your rhinoplasty comes out a smooth success, follow your doctor’s guidelines step-by-step and prepare for the operation days or weeks in advance. Take proper care of your body before and after the operation so that you recover quickly and achieve optimal results.
Certain substances are not allowed to be consumed at least two weeks before the operation. Inform your doctor of any medication you are taking, even if it’s nasal drops. Do not take Vitamin E, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory products like ibuprofen for two to three weeks before and after the procedure. Drink at least 8 glasses of water and refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol, herbs, or recreational drugs. The night before surgery, wash your face with antibacterial soap and take pre-op medication, if advised. The day of surgery, continue taking your medication, wash your face clean with antibacterial soap, and shave, if necessary.
Well ahead of time, schedule for someone to drive you to and from the surgery facility and consider getting a friend or caregiver to look after you for your at-home recovery.
For a successful postoperative care, make the necessary arrangements to create a lighter schedule. Recovery times vary among patients, but most return to work after one to two weeks. Even so, you need this time to allow your whole body to heal from bruising, swelling, and anesthetic grogginess.
Once you’re at home, reduce normal activity to light tasks as heavy tasks, including crying, that can cause bleeding. Do not hit or disrupt the nose by blowing it or sniffing too much. Keep your head elevated for several days to minimize swelling and take oral medication to reduce pain. For maximum healing, consider taking 500-1000 three times a day with 400 units of Vitamin E and 100 mg of Lipoic Acid three times a day.
Continue following the doctor’s recovery plan and ask questions, if you have any. Most of the bleeding fades after 48 hours, but most swelling and bruising fades in two to three weeks. Rhinoplasty infections are rare, but can be easily cleared up with antibiotics. Your nose may feel normal after a few months and the final results will not show until a year.
Surgery that requires anesthesia is not an easy experience and comes with plenty of risks and complications. By carefully researching the procedure and following every step of the professionals, you will ensure a healthy rhinoplasty and the nose that you want.