Having a bit of knowledge about any cosmetic surgery procedure you’re considering is naturally going to be important, and rhinoplasty is a great example. For any kind of nose surgery or related procedure, there will typically be a few things to consider – some on the preparation side, some during the actual appointment, and some regarding basic recovery in the days after the procedure.
At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we’re proud to offer the very best rhinoplasty services available in Salt Lake City and around Utah. This two-part blog series will go over everything you should know about rhinoplasty – today’s part one will discuss some typical preparation recommendations leading up to the procedure, while part two will go over what to be thinking about the day of your surgery, plus how to recover optimally.
Medications
In certain cases, you may need to adjust your medications leading up to your rhinoplasty appointment. Blood-thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen can affect blood clotting, so you may need to stop taking these in the days leading up to your appointment.
If you take other prescription or vitamin medications, Dr. Warnock or one of his staff will go over these with you to see if any should be avoided before and after surgery.
No Smoking
For at least two weeks before and after your rhinoplasty, you should avoid smoking. Nicotine can affect the body’s healing process, so it’s important to stay away from cigarettes, cigars, or other forms of nicotine delivery until recommended by Dr. Warnock.
Avoiding Sun Damage
Another important consideration is to take steps to avoid sun exposure and damage. This applies before, during, and after the surgery – excessive sun exposure can lead to long-term scarring or even skin discoloration.
Before your procedure, use sunscreen when you’re outside for more than a few minutes at a time. This should be for at least two weeks in advance of the procedure, or longer if recommended by Dr. Warnock.
Purchase Some Items
A few items may be helpful for your recovery. These include a saline nasal spray, facial moisturizer, and some bottles of ice water. All of these can be helpful after the procedure to promote healing and make your recovery more comfortable.
Day and Night Before Surgery
The night before surgery, you will usually be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight. This helps to reduce the risk of nausea or other issues during your procedure, and generally makes the entire experience more comfortable.
You’ll also receive instructions from either Dr. Warnock or his staff regarding which medications you should take on the day of the surgery – typically reducing blood clotting risks is a priority here, so this may involve taking certain prescribed medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. Finally, you should also arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your rhinoplasty procedure. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series, which will discuss what to expect on the day of surgery and how best to recover afterwards!
At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we understand how important it is to be informed about any kind of cosmetic surgery procedure you’re considering. We strive to provide the very best rhinoplasty services available in Salt Lake City and around Utah, along with education and preparation recommendations for our patients. Contact us today to book your appointment or learn more!