Rhinoplasty: What to Expect Before and After a Nose Job
You’ve always hated the way your nose looks. Maybe you’ve always struggled to breathe through your nose. Getting a nose job may be the answer to your frustrations.
Rhinoplasty is often thought of as a vanity procedure, but it can also be done to aid in breathing problems. A plastic surgeon will go in and adjust the cartilage and bone to open your breathing passageways.
Whatever your reason for going under the knife, the preparation and healing are the same.
Keep reading to know what to expect for your rhinoplasty.
Before Your Nose Job
Just like any surgery or medical procedure you should prepare in advance. By properly preparing you can set yourself up for maximizing your comfort, safety, and results.
Two Weeks Before Rhinoplasty
Stop taking anything that contains aspirin. This is a blood thinner and will affect how and the rate at which you bleed.
Notify your doctor’s office if you come down with a cold or illness. You do not want to have surgery in the same area you are inflamed or sick.
Your body is going to need the right tools to heal itself. Begin taking vitamins such as a multivitamin that contains C, E, minerals, and iron.
Some people choose to wear tinted glasses after the procedure. You could begin to wear them now so your eyes become accustomed to them.
Make arrangements with a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure. You will not be able to drive after going under anesthesia.
Two Days Before Your Procedure
Get all of your prescriptions filled now. You do not want to be in pain from the procedure and waiting for a friend or family member to go and get them filled.
You’ll want to prep cold compresses for after the procedure. Get multiple compresses ready so that you can rotate them.
Fill small ziplock bags with crushed ice. Get some frozen peas or soft ice packs.
You can also fill a bowl with ice, and then place a smaller bowl in the ice. Put damp clothes in the small bowl for them to chill.
Stop at your local drug store and get a stock of supplies for bandaging. You’ll need two-inch square gauze pads, paper tape, Q tips, Betadine wash, and hydrogen peroxide.
Go to the grocery store and stock up on easy to eat foods. This will include tea, soup, juice, toast, and crackers.
The Night Before
Before you go to bed wash your face with a Betadine soap for at least three minutes. This is going to clean your face of anything potential bacteria or germs.
Be sure to remove your jewelry before you do this, the Betadine will stain. Your doctor will be able to help you obtain this special Betadine soap.
It’s going to be tough but get a good night sleep! We know you’re probably nervous an excited, but it’s important you are fully rested.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Do prepare some food for after your procedure. Jello and soup are going to be good foods to have on hand.
During the Procedure
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of your procedure. Go to the bathroom to clear your system.
Your doctor will have you use Betadine to wash your face again. You will need to do this for three full minutes.
Do not put any makeup on, including lipstick. Do not style your hair if it includes wigs, hairpins, hairpieces, or jewelry.
Wearing comfortable loose clothing. Avoid wearing a top that requires being pulled over your head. Do not wear pantyhose.
Confirm with your driver that they are ready and able to take you to and from the facility. Confirm that you will have someone who can stay with you for 24 hours following the procedure.
The Actual Procedure
There are two main methods for performing surgery on a nose, either open or closed. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the procedure that is right for you.
Rhinoplasty is usually done by the open method. This involves cutting the nose between the nostrils and lifting the skin.
This gives the surgeon full access and plenty of room to perform the procedure. The closed method leaves the nose intact during the procedure.
No matter what method is chosen, your surgeon is going to go in and reshape and restructure the bones and cartilage. This will be done to achieve the aesthetic or functional goal you have.
It is important that you choose a surgeon who has experience with rhinoplasty. Those who do not have extensive experience will not ensure that is a proper structure of bone and cartilage for long-lasting support.
This is the part of the procedure that ensures your nose will last for years into the future. If your nose is not properly structured it will eventually collapse.
Afterward and Healing
Keep your head elevated to help keep the swelling down. Keep those ice packs you made on your eyes and cheeks.
You’ll want to keep the ice packs on as much as possible for the first forty-eight hours. Be careful to not get your nasal cast wet or apply pressure.
For the first day, you’ll want to stick to just liquids. Then start to add in a light diet. You can start with regular food after a day or two.
Use the gauze pads to clean up any blood or discharge that comes out of your nose in the hours after your procedure. This discharge is totally normal.
Do not try to rub or blot your nose, this will irritate it. If you do have bleeding, lie down flat with your head elevated.
Try not to sneeze, sniff, or blow your nose in the first two weeks after your surgery. All of these things could trigger bleeding from the nose.
Are You Ready for a Rhinoplasty?
The key to a successful rhinoplasty is to communicate with your plastic surgeon about the process and what to expect. Do your part to prep for the surgery.
Before the surgery get your medical supplies and prescriptions. Prep your liquids and food.
The day of the surgery, go with your driver to the facility in comfortable clothing. Most importantly follow your surgeon’s directions for the day of surgery.
Post-surgery, keep ice packs on your eyes and cheeks. Lie back with your head elevated.
Stick to liquids for the first day. Keep your strenuous activity to a minimum while your nose heels from your nose job.
Keep reading these important points to consider before you decide to get nose surgery or any other plastic surgery.
