Health Upp Planning on having nose surgery? You’ve probably already discovered that there’s a wealth of information on the procedure and your recovery.
But did you know there are steps you can take before your nose job that could make all the difference for a result you’ll love?
Try these seven tips so your nose job (rhinoplasty) is everything you’ve hoped it would be.
1. Vet Your Plastic Surgeon
Most plastic surgeons will tell you that they’re your ideal choice. But are you sure you’ve picked the right one? Follow these steps to find the ideal doctor to perform your rhinoplasty:
- Read reviews and testimonials. Former patients are your best resource for finding out about your surgeon’s personality, how satisfactory your results can be, and whether the doctor is a good fit for your goals.
- Ask questions. A great plastic surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you have. If they aren’t, that’s a red flag.
- Find out how long the doctor has been in practice. Choose a doctor who has the experience and confidence to handle your procedure safely.
- Find out how many rhinoplasties your surgeon has performed. As with the tip above this one: the more, the better.
- Check out Before and After pictures. You’ll get an idea of what results former patients have gone home with.
2. Research Your Procedure
No two rhinoplasties are the same. This means you’ll want to get the scoop on the procedure you’ll be having.
People have nose surgery for a variety of nose issues. These may include:
- A nose that isn’t proportionate to the face in size
- Deviated septum
- An enlarged, bulbous, or drooping nose tip
- Asymmetry of the nostrils
- A crooked nose bridge
You may be getting a nose job for more than one of the above reasons. For example, you might have a deviated septum and also desire a narrower nose. So research what is involved in each. This way you’ll be prepared for what is to come with your surgery and recovery.
3. Stop Smoking
This can be tough for some to hear, but smoking can have drastic consequences, especially if you smoke during the recovery period. And that means any products that contain nicotine, including chewing tobacco, nicotine replacement patches or gum, or vaping nicotine products.
Multiple studies have confirmed that smoking greatly increases your risk of complications (especially heart and bleeding issues) after surgery. According to the World Health Organization, the carbon monoxide in cigarettes makes them even more dangerous than some other nicotine-containing products. But they should all be avoided.
So why should you stop smoking before your surgery? After you stop smoking, nicotine begins to leave your body in a very short period of time – two hours, according to data – but traces can remain in your system for up to eight weeks.
4. Find Out What Your Recovery Will Involve
You’ll have the best result from your rhinoplasty if you know what to expect during the recovery period.
Keep in mind that you may not be able to drive for about two weeks and may feel dizzy for a day or two after the procedure. You will also have swelling and bruising for several weeks post-surgery.
Find out exactly what you can expect during your own rhinoplasty recovery. And if you still have questions, ask your plastic surgeon.
5. Prepare and Freeze a Few Meals
After your surgery, you may not feel like preparing meals.
Prepare light, nutritious, freezable meals. After your surgery, it will be easy to pull one out and reheat it, so you can get right back to resting and recovering per your plastic surgeon’s instructions.
6. Call in the Troops for Backup
While your doctor will advise you to be lightly active immediately after your surgery (doing so helps prevent blood clots), there are a few things you’ll need help with. So don’t be shy about asking for help from friends or family members.
Remember that you can’t drive yourself home from your surgery. So be sure to have a ride ready to take you to and from the surgery facility.
You may also need help around the house afterward.
7. Be Realistic About Your Result
Surgeons can be very skilled, but they’re not miracle workers. You may want “someone else’s nose” (a celebrity, for example) or an extreme modification, but these are not always options.
Ask your plastic surgeon what result you can expect. Your surgeon should be willing to sit down with you to discuss your goals and to give you options that can take you as close as possible to what you’re envisioning.
Keeping things realistic and following the tips above can mean a smoother recovery and a finished product you’re proud of.