Having a Rhinoplasty soon? Here's the top do's and don'ts you should be aware of according to RealSelf Doctors:
Do Butt out! If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to quit smoking several weeks before your surgery. Quitting cold turkey isn't an easy thing to do but is "extremely important" according to Doctor Jerome Edelstein, he suggests avoiding "the use of tobacco before and after surgery since this substance inhibits the recovery process." [Read more]
Don't plan on spending time in the sun after surgery. Hold off on any sun-filled vacations and stay out of tanning beds for at least 6 months after your surgery. Doctor Pablo Prichard explains that your post-op "nose is less naturally resistant to UV rays and is more likely to burn and get discolored." right after surgery. [more here] To protect your sensitive skin from sunburn, Doctor Paul S. Nassif recommends a high SPF sunscreen and a hat.
Related: Top 10 Rhinoplasty Tips For Before and After Surgery
Do Relax before surgery. The pre-surgery jitters can be overwhelming filled with thoughts of anesthesia complications, disastrous results, and worry about what you're going to look like after surgery. While these concerns are reasonable — it's important to stay calm. Doctor Julian De Silva explains that "as long as you have chosen a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, you should try to remain positive about your upcoming surgery and try to ease your anxiety by thinking about all the enhancements that you will soon be enjoying." Easier said than done? Take it from us: check out these top 10 tips to help you relax before your big day:
Don't drink alcohol. There are a few reasons to hold off on having a few post-op drinks. First off, pain medicine and alcohol do not mix, and alcohol causes dehydration, which Doctor Richard J. Bruneteau explains can "significantly increase the potential for complications following rhinoplasty." [more here] Don't worry, there will be plenty of time to celebrate your new nose after surgery. Give yourself at least a week or 2, or until your pain meds are finished before enjoying a drink.
Do keep your head up after surgery. Post-op swelling is par for the course after a Rhinoplasty. Keeping your head elevated while resting will help minimize postoperative swelling. For more tips to help keep swelling at bay check out this FAQ.
Don't go to the gym. "Post-op limitations vary tremendously depending on what was done during the operation," explains Doctor Richard W. Fleming. Generally, It's best to refrain from intense physical activity for a minimum of 4-5 weeks after surgery. Since everybody is different, you should check with your surgeon to see what's best for you.
Do be prepared for your recovery. Here's a shopping list of post-op supplies you'll need for a comfortable recovery.
Don't pick!. Your nose may get itchy and uncomfortable due to crusting and dried blood, while it's tempting to pick, don't do it! Picking can disrupt the sutures. It's advisable to contact your surgeon and find out specifically where your sutures are and how to safely clean your nose.
Do keep your mouth open if you have to sneeze. You can't help sneezing, Doctor Francis R. Palmer, III says to "just be sure to keep your mouth open during the sneeze to limit the pressure build up inside the nose." Also, don't blow your nose after surgery! Find out why this is a no no here.
Don't panic! When your cast comes off, and you see your nose for the first time, don't panic if something looks off. It can take up to 2 years to see the final results, especially if your surgery involved extensive tip work. [Read more] "Be patient" says Doctor Michael A. Persky and "give your nose at least a year to evolve" into it's best shape -- while most swelling subsides after 1 to 2 months, your nose will continue to "morph" over the months ahead slowly revealing your final results.
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