Any surgical procedure is guaranteed to rattle your nerves, and rhinoplasty is no different. Even after deciding on a doctor and going through the preparation process, there are often new stressors at every turn. Hopefully, we can help take some of the load off of your mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon for advice! If you have any questions come up before your surgery, go ahead and ask your surgeon. Most likely, you can’t ask your surgeon anything that’s too left-field, or something that they haven’t heard before. This is what they see day in and day out.
To add to that, make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page regarding the procedure! Your nose will be on your face post-surgery, so make sure that your surgeon isn’t planning any surprises beforehand. Let yourself rest easy.
Make sure you accomplish any strenuous tasks before your surgery. Rhinoplasty procedures usually recommend a one-to-three-week recovery period post-op, which means you won’t have time for heavy lifting around the house in that timeframe. Make sure you get everything taken care of prior!
Stop taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or herbal medicines two weeks prior to your procedure. In addition, refrain from using them two weeks after, while you’re in recovery from surgery.
In addition, stop smoking for at least two weeks before your surgery. While the nicotine may help to calm your nerves beforehand, it can also stunt your recovery. In order to make sure everything goes smoothly, find other ways to relax, and lay off the cigarettes.
For a brief time after your surgery, you’ll only be able to breathe out of your mouth. Because of this, your mouth will likely get very dry, and your lips may chap. To combat this, stock up on plenty of beverages and chapstick to breathe some life into your dry mouth.
Stock up on your prescriptions pre-surgery! When you’re out of sorts from the procedure, the last thing you’ll want to do is run to the pharmacy and stock up on any prescriptions you’ve forgotten. Get rid of that last bit of stress by doing it beforehand.
Make sure you’ve got a nice mini-wardrobe full of comfortable clothes. Be sure to keep your new nose in mind! Don’t risk any pain by bringing pull-over shirts; clothes which zip and button in the front are your go-tos.
Ensure you’ll have somebody available to drive you home after your procedure! After your surgery, you will not be permitted to drive, and the last thing you want is to be stranded at the hospital. Go ahead and make your transportation arrangements beforehand to avoid any unfortunate circumstances.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and family. They’re there to support you and help you in any way possible, whether you need someone to run errands or simply keep you on a schedule.