Rhinoplasties are procedures for functional and aesthetic improvements to the nose. Somerset Plastic Surgery offers reconstructive and cosmetic surgery methods to meet individuals’ goals and preferences. A Somerset plastic surgeon will explain the process to help you determine if it’s right for you. If you decide to undergo a rhinoplasty, here are some of the ways you can prepare for the surgery:
Plastic Surgeon Consultation
Schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon to review what you want to achieve with the rhinoplasty procedure. If your goal is to improve your breathing, reshape your nostrils, or smooth the bridge of your nose, our team of surgeons can help. We also address poorly healed nasal injuries and congenital defects that affect the nose’s functionality and appearance. After explaining your goals to your surgeon, they will assess your nose to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment. If you have good health, fully developed facial bones, and realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty.
Once your surgeon has approved you for surgery, they may take photographs of your nose to help them create a digital mock-up of treatment options. They will measure your face and use those measurements to manipulate the image and create realistic final results. This allows you to decide whether the projected outcomes align with your expectations. If you like the mock-up final results, one of our surgeons will explain the steps they’ll take during the procedure to help you understand the process. Our team is ready to answer any questions about the rhinoplasty so you can make informed decisions.
Lifestyle Changes
Make health-conscious lifestyle changes several weeks before the surgery to prepare your body for a significant recovery. Removing alcohol from your diet can help restore the platelet volume in your blood. This prevents excess bleeding and bruising during and after treatment. Avoiding cigarettes and other nicotine products helps your body heal more effectively after treatment. The absence of nicotine in the body allows blood vessels to expand to their natural diameter and send oxygen and other nutrients to healing tissues. Other lifestyle changes to adopt include eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Improving your overall well-being increases the chances of a quick surgery recovery with fewer complications.
Recovery Plan
In the days before surgery, create a comfortable home environment to help yourself focus on recovery after treatment. Clean your home and set out pillows and blankets so you’ll be able to relax fully. Extra pillows will be helpful after a rhinoplasty, as we recommend patients sit and sleep upright until their nose is healed. Plan ahead and gather entertainment options like books, movies, puzzles, and other items to keep yourself occupied while resting. Another good way to plan for recovery is to prepare easy-to-make meals and ice packs that you can store in your fridge and freezer.
Skin Care
Wash your face with water and a gentle cleanser before your surgery. The cleanser should be free from fragrances, abrasive ingredients, and other components that could irritate your skin. Applying a scent-free moisturizer after cleansing keeps your skin from drying out before the treatment. Avoid using makeup and other cosmetics on your face, as our surgical team will need to remove them to see your skin properly during the operation.
Food and Medication
Ask your surgeon whether you need to be fasting before your procedure. If our team recommends fasting, avoid eating or drinking after midnight on the night before your appointment. Some surgeons recommend fasting for up to eight hours to make sure the stomach is empty before surgery. Somerset Plastic Surgery performs rhinoplasties with local and general anesthesia, so talk to your surgeon about how the anesthesia type will affect your fasting window. Drinking plenty of water after your appointment may boost your recovery.
To protect your health during surgery, we may ask you to stop taking certain medications before treatment. With approval from your primary doctor, stop taking blood thinners and other medications that could cause excessive bleeding. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific instructions for when to stop taking over-the-counter and prescription drugs before your appointment. If you are experiencing significant discomfort after your rhinoplasty, our team will prescribe pain medications, like extra-strength acetaminophen, to keep you comfortable during the healing process. Talk to your surgeon before your appointment to learn which over-the-counter drugs you can take during recovery. Purchasing these medications in advance gives you access to the medicine you’ll need after treatment.
Schedule a Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
Somerset Plastic Surgery has a team of experienced cosmetic surgeons who perform various face, body, and skin procedures in Troy, Michigan. If you want to achieve a more youthful appearance or correct a functional issue, our cosmetic surgeons can help. Contact our team today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.