How to Prepare for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery

How to Prepare for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery (more commonly known as a “nose job”) is a major surgical procedure. Even though it is generally done for cosmetic, and not health reasons, it’s still important that you know how to prepare for it. After all, a rhinoplasty procedure can affect your health significantly and can even cause major health concerns when not carried out properly. To make sure that your rhinoplasty procedure—and recovery—goes as smoothly as possible, here are some preparations steps to take.

Years/Months Before your Rhinoplasty Surgery

Do your research. Going under rhinoplasty is not some kind of impulse purchase, like buying a new shade of lipstick or perfume. You don’t just wake up one morning, decide to get rhinoplasty and then book an appointment with the first rhinoplasty surgeon you find a couple of days later. In my case, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty was years in the making. I’ve hated the way my nose looked ever since I was 10 years old, but it wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I made the decision to actually go under the knife. Once I did make this decision, I spent several more years doing extensive research on rhinoplasty and rhinoplasty surgeons. Choosing the right surgeon will make sure that you are in good hands, and researching rhinoplasty will let you know what to expect.

• Meet with your surgeon.  Your meeting or consultation with your surgeon is without a doubt one of the most important preparation steps towards a successful rhinoplasty surgery. Some of the things that you and your surgeon will discuss are: your medical history, your motivation for going under rhinoplasty and your expected results among others. It is very important that you are open and honest with your surgeon at this point, especially when discussing your goals. I was lucky enough to have a surgeon like Dr. Anil Shah who sincerely listened to my worries, goals and desires to make sure that we were on the same page.

 

Weeks/Days Before your Rhinoplasty Surgery

• Know what to avoid.  A few weeks before the surgery, it’s important that you adapt a healthier lifestyle, and avoid certain medications and chemicals. Avoid medications that can thin the blood such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Other things that you should avoid include: cigarettes, caffeine, Viagra and alcohol among others.

• Take vitamins that can speed up healing.  Some vitamins can speed up the body’s healing process. Begin taking these vitamins regularly a few weeks—or even months—before the surgery. These vitamins include iron, vitamin C and vitamin E.

• Arrange for someone to assist you post-surgery. Make sure that you have a friend or relative who is willing to drive you home and take care of you for at least 24 hours after the operation.

 

The Night Before your Rhinoplasty Surgery

• Get plenty of rest. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep in order to be physically and mentally prepared for your operation the next day.

• Wash your face and hair thoroughly. When you come in for your rhinoplasty surgery, make sure your face is free from any makeup, cosmetics, creams and other chemicals and that it is thoroughly washed. The same goes for your hair; make sure you don’t apply any hairspray or other hair products.