Rhinoplasty in Stuart is a popular surgical procedure that’s performed to enhance the look or overall functionality of the nose. When used purely for aesthetic purposes, this treatment can lift a drooping nose tip, smooth out bumps and other irregularities on the nose bridge, correct uneven nostrils, and create a more desirable and refined nose shape overall. The functional benefits of this treatment can include improved structure and usability of the nasal passages, fewer problems with snoring, fewer breathing-related sleep issues, and more. Although the goals, challenges, and outcomes of each rhinoplasty treatment are different, the best methods of preparing for this procedure and the related recovery remain relatively constant. Following are some helpful things that Stuart locals need to know about preparing for a nose job, along with tips for managing and expediting the healing process.
Talk with Your Primary Physician
It is important to keep your primary physician abreast of any major surgeries that you intend to undergo. This professional will have the best understanding of your general health and the best ability to make important general health recommendations. If you have any health issues that might impact your surgery outcome, you’ll need to talk with the surgeon about these problems before scheduling your procedure. Certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can elevate the risk of this treatment. When issues like these exist, they will need to be properly managed by your physician, and they must be fully under control at the time of your procedure.
Create a List of Medications That You’re Currently Taking
One of the most important pieces of health information to pass onto the surgeon is the list of medications that you are currently taking. Some prescription drugs can impede the normal clotting process. Prescription medication can actually interfere with surgical treatments in a vast number of ways. This is also true of certain herbal remedies, many store-bought products, and some vitamins. Giving the surgeon a complete list of all products that you are currently taking is vital for ensuring a safe treatment and a desirable outcome. You will need to stop taking any contraindicated medications in the weeks before your rhinoplasty procedure.
Know About Aspirin and Other NSAIDs
In addition to talking to the surgeon about the medications that your primary doctor has prescribed, it is also important to pay careful attention to the list of over-the-counter medications that are contraindicated for this procedure. This is something that you will discuss with the surgeon ahead of treatment. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are blood thinners that can negatively impact your clotting abilities both during and post-treatment. These drugs are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You should avoid all NSAIDs both several weeks before your procedure and throughout the recovery process. Even though NSAIDs are easily purchased in-store, they can still have powerful effects on how your body handles surgery and how it heals.
Enter a Smoking Cessation Program
Continuing to smoke just before and immediately after your rhinoplasty procedure can complicate and extend your recovery. Keep in mind that smoking also contributes to the development of general health issues that may impede your ability to qualify as a suitable candidate for this treatment. Smoking constricts the blood vessels and impedes oxygen and nutrient delivery. The nicotine that cigarettes and other tobacco products contain actually has the ability to slow healing all on its own. If you are having a hard time finding the right cessation tools, you can speak with the surgeon and your primary physician to learn more about your available options in smoking cessation support. For optimum healing, it is best to quit smoking entirely ahead of the surgery. You should continue your cessation routine until your healing process is fully complete.
Stock Up On Everything You’ll Need Post-Treatment
Patients in Stuart are heavily discouraged against waiting to collect any prescription medications that they’ll need until after their procedures. The surgeon can prescribe antibiotics to prevent post-treatment infection, along with a pain relieving agent to help make your recovery more comfortable. Make sure to pick these products up before your actual treatment.
You should go immediately home after you’ve been discharged so that your body can rest and so you can keep your head stabilized in an elevated position. If you’re a regular side-sleeper, you’ll need to use rolled towels or a travel pillow to keep your head fixed and upright, so be sure to have a few of these on hand. You should also make sure that you have plenty of all the general and personal care supplies that you might need over the first few days of your recovery. You certainly won’t be in a position to make any special trips to the store during this time.
Make Transportation Arrangements and Enlist the Help of Someone
You will need to have a reliable ride home and an escort from the vehicle to bed. It is generally best to enlist the help of a family member or a trusted friend. You should also have a friend or companion who can stay by your side over the first few days that follow the treatment. You’ll need help with various aspects of your self-care. Limiting movement and getting assistance with complex movements will reduce your likelihood of bumping your nose and inadvertently damaging your treatment results. It is especially important to have assistance if you are responsible for the care of any minor children, elderly adults, or pets. These are duties that you will need to pass on to someone else all throughout the first part of your healing process.
Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Limit Your Stress
Sleep is important for supporting your recovery. A well-rested body will have the best ability to heal itself. As such, you should strive to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. During the earliest stages of healing, you should get as much rest as you possibly can. It is also important to eat foods that support well-being and health at this time. When stocking up on necessities pre-treatment, make sure to load up on fresh, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to consume and prepare. Keep in mind that you will want to stick with relatively soft foods that involve minimal chewing for the first few days.
Emotional stress can have a very detrimental impact on your body’s ability to recover. As such, patients are always advised to have effective stress management techniques that they use while healing. You might consider investing in stress balls, a good journal, or a just a few fun activities that will provide entertainment and an opportunity for escapism. Always schedule your rhinoplasty during a time of minimal stress. Make sure that you’ve made arrangements to have all of your personal, familial, and work obligations handled while you focus on getting well. Your post-treatment healing should be your primary, if not only, concern.
Follow the Surgeon’s Post-Treatment Instructions Carefully
Ahead of rhinoplasty in Stuart, you will be given a list of tips for managing your recovery properly. The entire healing process for a rhinoplasty procedure can last for quite a while. The good news is that you will reach a number of impressive milestones that will keep your outlook bright and make the healing process much easier. During this adventure, you’ll want to adhere to the surgeon’s advised schedule for follow-up visits. You should additionally follow every precautionary and preventive measure that’s described in the surgeon’s post-treatment instructions. For instance, during the first phase of healing, you may want to switch from prescription glasses to contact lenses. Even the relatively minor weight of eyeglass frames may be capable of creating visible indentations in your nose that ultimately necessitate revision rhinoplasty.
Be Ready to Pamper Your Nose
Not being able to blow your nose and trying not to sneeze through your nose will likely prove to be two of the greatest challenges of your rhinoplasty recovery. After your splint has been removed, you should be able to clear your nasal passages with saline nose drops or a doctor-approved nasal spray. When sneezing, it is important to make every effort to sneeze through your mouth. The forceful act of sneezing can disrupt the placement of your nose, especially during the first days that follow treatment. It can additionally irritate the nasal passages. Beyond keeping a doctor-approved nose spray on hand, you’ll also want to have easy access to a refreshing beverage. You will be doing the majority of your breathing through your mouth as your nasal passages heal.
Try to Maintain Feasible Expectations
Although rhinoplasty recovery is a process, you’ll be able to see many of the remarkable aesthetic improvements that this treatment has provided fairly quickly. After some healing, your nose splint can be removed, and the most severe side effects will have subsided. This is usually the time when patients can again go out into the public without looking like they’ve just had cosmetic surgery performed. Within just a matter of months, your nose will become progressively stronger and more stable. Over time, you will be able to safely and comfortably participate in various forms of exercise.
While you might be eager to have a beautifully proportioned nose right now, rhinoplasty and the resulting healing process take time. This means that you can look forward to having your nose look progressively better and better. From a psychological standpoint, maintaining a positive attitude and feasible expectations allows for a smoother and far less stressful recovery, and an ultimately positive treatment outcome.
If you want more information about preparing for your rhinoplasty procedure and recovery, talk to the team at Athena Plastic Surgery during your consultation at our office in Stuart. We also have a location in Palm Beach Gardens. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and get started!