Many people may think this is unnecessary but proper care is very important. Caring for yourself before and after rhinoplasty does more than support wound healing. It also plays several other important roles. Today, Dr.Gorn Aesthetique shares tips on caring for yourself before and after rhinoplasty.
What Are the Benefits of Proper Care and the Risks of Inadequate Care Before and After Surgery?
Benefits of Proper Care
- Supports faster wound healing
- May help shorten recovery time
- Helps reduce the risk of infection
Risks of Inadequate Care
- Delayed wound healing
- Longer recovery time
- Increased risk of infection
- Increased risk of nasal deviation, implant displacement, or implant exposure
- Additional time and expense if revision surgery is needed
Inadequate preparation and care can affect your recovery and surgical results. Preparing properly and following your surgeon’s instructions are important steps in protecting your nose.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty
- Avoid smoking for 2 months before and after surgery.
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages for 1 week before surgery.
- Discuss any medications or supplements that affect blood clotting with your surgeon. You may be instructed to stop them 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Do not stop prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval.
- Do not wear makeup or jewelry on the day of surgery.
- Wear loose clothing with buttons or a zipper at the front on the day of surgery.
- Get sufficient rest and aim for at least 8 hours of sleep.
- Try to relax, manage stress, and prepare yourself for the changes in your appearance.
Important!
Inform your doctor if you have any existing medical conditions, a tendency to bleed easily, or any medication allergies.
Caring for Yourself After Rhinoplasty
The instructions may seem extensive, but they are easier to follow than you might think. Following your surgeon’s advice can support healing and help reduce the risk of complications.
- Avoid smoking for 2 months.
- Avoid strongly flavored, spicy, very sweet, or salty foods for 1 month, as advised by your surgeon.
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages for 1 week.
- Take the medication provided by your doctor exactly as prescribed. If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the course unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications or supplements that affect blood clotting. You may need to avoid them for 1 to 2 weeks. Do not stop or restart prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval.
- Clean the wound as instructed by your doctor.
- Avoid touching, picking, or scratching your nose. Avoid makeup and jewelry as instructed by your surgeon.
- Apply cold compresses around the nose during the first 1 to 2 days to help reduce swelling and bruising, following your surgeon’s instructions and avoiding direct pressure on the nose.
- Sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your stomach or side to prevent pressure on the nose.
- Avoid exercise for 1 month, or until your surgeon allows you to resume.
Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and usually improve gradually during recovery.
