Rhinoplasty is a procedure done to change and correct the shape of the nose either for cosmetic purposes or for breathing problems. During the procedure, the surgeon can change the skin around the nose, cartilage, and even the bone, giving your nose a whole new look. In this blog post, we will talk about how to prepare for rhinoplasty, what to do, and what not to do. You should know that to make your recovery process easier and to be prepared you should start sooner. Learn how to be ready for a rhinoplasty in order to ensure a smooth and safe procedure.

Why It’s Done

As we mentioned before, rhinoplasty will change the size, shape, and the whole appearance of your nose. This procedure can fix every kind of issue whether it’s a birth defect or injury, or improve some breathing issues. 

The Week Before Rhinoplasty

• It is important to get a lot of rest the week before rhinoplasty because the body needs energy after the surgery is done. If you take some time to relax the recovery will be more comfortable and the results will be better.
• You should keep your face clean by washing it twice every day with a gentle cleanser. To help get rid of the dead skin cells you could also use an exfoliator. 
• Drink plenty of water. It is very important to keep your body hydrated before any surgery in order to recover faster. So try to drink twice as much water as you usually do. 
• Make advance plans. After surgery, you will need to get home because rhinoplasty will be finished in a short time. Even though you will be able to return home after the procedure this doesnt mean that you will be in a condition to drive on your own, so a companion is necessary. 
• During the initial consultation talk with your doctors about what medicines can be used to ease the pain so you can have your medications ready if needed. You may also keep cold compresses or ointments to help you keep the swelling and bruises minimal. 
• Because it can take some time to recover from rhinoplasty it is always a good idea to prepare your meals ahead of time if you don’t have someone to take care of you at all times. This way you can focus on relaxing and recovering after the surgery. 

The Day Before Surgery

The day before surgery is very important with every procedure. Furthermore, we will mention three main factors to consider before rhinoplasty:

• Fasting before any surgery is very important because you will be under the effect of general anesthesia and in order to be safe you should not drink or eat anything. However you should drink water and we recommend you drink plenty of it before fasting. This will make you feel much better once the surgery is done.
• Makeup and cosmetic products should not be used before surgery because they can cause irritation. On the day of the surgery, we recommend you just wash your face and don’t wear any products. 
• Even though during surgery you need to change into a surgical gown, you will need to wear your clothes afterward, so choose the right ones. We recommend you wear something which is comfortable and loose or a shirt with buttons that you don’t need to pull over your head. 

During The Procedure

To help you fall asleep during the procedure, medication will be given to you. We refer to this as anesthesia. The complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s preferences will determine the type of anesthesia you get. The surgeon will decide what type of sedation will be proper for your situation. 

• Combining sedation and local anesthesia. Typically, this kind of anesthesia is applied in an outpatient context. It’s restricted to one particular bodily part. An intravenous (IV) line, a tiny tube inserted into a vein in the hand, neck, or chest, is used to provide medicines after a painkilling injection is administered into the nasal tissues. You feel sleepy with this medication, but not completely asleep.
• General anesthesia. The drug known as an anesthetic is administered intravenously (IV) or by breathing. During surgery, general anesthesia leaves you unconscious and affects your entire body. A breathing tube is necessary for general anesthesia.

Rhinoplasty can be performed by an incision made outside the nose at the base of the nose, halfway between the nostrils, or within the nose. The cartilage and bone beneath the skin will probably be realigned by the surgeon.

There are several procedures to alter the contour of the cartilage or bones in your nose. How much is removed or added will depend on the anatomy of the nose, the materials that are available, and other factors. Cartilage from the ear or from further into the nose may also be used for minor adjustments.

Implants, a bone from other body areas, or cartilage from a rib can be utilized for more extensive modifications. Following these modifications, the incisions are stitched up and the tissue and skin of the nose are replaced.

The septum, the wall that separates the nose’s two sides, can occasionally be twisted or curved. We refer to this as a deviated septum. During surgery, it can be straightened in order to help breathing. After the surgery, you will rest sometime in the recovery room and if you are recovering well the doctor will let you go home on the same day or if you are having any issues you might even need to stay overnight. This will depend on the hospital or the clinic that you will choose. 

What To Avoid Before Rhinoplasty

Besides the things that you should do before rhinoplasty, there are also some things to avoid in order to recover successfully. 

• Avoid smoking. You already know that smoking is unhealthy, but it’s especially not a good idea right before or right after surgery. Smoking can narrow blood arteries and lessen the flow of oxygen. This may even raise your risk of scarring and skin loss after surgery, as well as poor recovery after surgery. Additionally, smoking raises the risk of an adverse anesthesia reaction as well as bleeding or infection issues.
• Stay away from alcohol. Avoid alcohol in the days before your procedure. In addition to being harmful to the immune system, alcohol can cause dehydration. It may put you at risk for a difficult surgical recovery.
• Avoid using topical creams. Avoid using creams containing Retin-A, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and other over-the-counter medicinal creams four to five days before surgery. If you’re not sure what to use, see your doctor and stick to a basic cleaner.
• Avoid the sun and tanning beds because the UV light can cause a lot of damage to the skin and can also make the recovery process more difficult and longer. 
• Steer clear of certain medications. Before any operation, some drugs should be avoided since they may interfere with blood flow and clotting or trigger anesthesia-related complications. A week before surgery, it is normally advised to cease using blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin, coumadin, Celebrex, and Plavix. However, it is always advisable to discuss what you may and cannot take with your surgeon.

What To Do Before Rhinoplasty?

What steps should you take to get ready for a nose job? We’ve included everything you need to consider before having rhinoplasty surgery below.

Consider Your Diet And Lifestyle

You face a lower risk and have a higher chance of making a full recovery when your body is in good condition. Additionally, we advise increasing your intake of foods high in fiber to assist lessen any potential side effects on your digestive system, such as constipation, from taking anesthetics. To promote appropriate recovery following surgery, you should also abstain from alcohol and think about taking vitamin C, zinc, and, in certain situations, iron. In order to choose the best and safest course of action, we will go over this with you at your pre-op consultation.

Plan Your Transportation Ahead Of Time

After your treatment, your surgical team will probably advise you to make appropriate travel arrangements. It is always advisable to be organized. Get a friend or relative to give you a ride to and from the operation. A friend or family member staying with you for the first three or four days after surgery is something else you might want to think about.

Book At Least 10 Days Off Work

For rhinoplasty, we advise scheduling a two-week leave of absence from work. This can aid in the healing process and keep you from engaging in any physically demanding activities that can interfere with the healing process following a rhinoplasty.

Ensure You Have Cold Compresses At Home

Buy cold packs and sleep aids in advance of your rhinoplasty so that they are available for you when you return home. It could be a good idea to stock up on foods that will be easier to digest following your rhinoplasty. Make sure to be prepared before so you don’t have to get out of the house swollen and bruised. 

What Not To Do Before Rhinoplasty?

Following our recommendations for various post-rhinoplasty recommendations, there are some things you should think twice about following in order to speed up your recuperation.

Don’t Wear Any Make-Up Or Apply Cosmetics

As we mentioned previously, you should not wear any makeup or any products on your face during the surgery because this can increase your risk of infection. Make sure you clean your face very well before you show up at the clinic. 

Avoid Certain Medications

Avoid using aspirin, vitamin E, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements or drugs for two weeks following your rhinoplasty procedure. In particular, herbs should be avoided at all costs since they may interfere with the effects of anesthesia.

Steer Clear Of Smoking

For others, this could be difficult. Smoking, however, has severe effects on both your general health and the healing process. Smoking will most likely alter blood flow, which can impede recovery. Consequently, it is advisable to abstain from smoking for two weeks before and following your rhinoplasty treatment.

Address Any Concerns Before Your Surgery

It is very important to address any issue you might have before the day of your rhinoplasty. You should know the steps of the procedure before and we also advise you to do your own research on the doctor and their clinic. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Rhinoplasty Different From Septoplasty?

A rhinoplastic procedure modifies the nose’s form. There is a relationship between nose shape and respiration. In addition to improving breathing, rhinoplasty can also be used to alter the appearance of the nose.

While on the other hand, septoplasty can be used to improve issues with breathing. It straightens the nasal septum, the internal wall of the nose that separates the nasal passageways into a right and a left side. Breathing via the nose may be more difficult if the septum is crooked. A rhinoplasty and a septoplasty are frequently performed together if requested by the patient.

Is Rhinoplasty A Simple Operation?

We wouldn’t consider Rhinoplasty a difficult operation and this is due to several factors. To begin with, the nose is a complex three-dimensional structure located in the center of the face. During rhinoplasties, relatively few changes are frequently made. However, these modifications may have a significant impact on how the nose appears and functions. There is a tiny tolerance for error because of these adjustments.

During surgery, the nose is distorted by swelling and the local anesthetic’s insertion in the skin. That may hide numerous minor changes. Moreover, there is no standard procedure or order of stages for rhinoplasty. Every procedure is customized by surgeons to meet the demands of the patient.

Will I Need To Stay In The Hospital?

Almost every rhinoplasty patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day of the procedure without issue. In rare instances, if you’re experiencing severe nausea or have other health issues that require close observation, you could spend one night in the hospital.

How Long Is The Recovery Period?

Schedule a week’s vacation from a job, school, or other commitments. During the first week, every day will be better for you. After surgery, most patients will start to feel like themselves again a week later. There will be some edema following surgery. It may take several months for the swelling to subside. Most individuals get used to it after a few months. After a week, you will also be able to resume most activities, and after two to four weeks, you will be able to return to your everyday routine.

Are There Any Side Effects?

As you might know, every surgery has risks but fortunately, during rhinoplasty, they are small and rare. Every possible side effect will be discussed by the surgeon prior to the surgery so you will be prepared.