Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures performed today. A rhinoplasty provides cosmetic and medical benefits to patients with various health concerns.
Rhinoplasty works to improve the function of your nose after injury or other trauma. It can transform the look of your nose and correct any cosmetic issues you may be concerned about.
Recovering from rhinoplasty surgery can be easy if you know how to prepare in advance. An improved recovery will also enhance the results you achieve and ensure that you maintain them over time.
Here are four ways to prepare for your rhinoplasty recovery.
Understand Your Procedure
Not all rhinoplasty procedures are the same. So your recovery will be unique to your procedure and individual needs. Procedures that require the doctor to break the nose will need more time to recover and greater care after it’s completed.
If you have minor changes made to the cartilage and septum, then your recovery process will be easier and shorter. Treatments made to the nostrils and other elastic parts will all require a shorter recovery period.
Control Inflammation
You’re likely to experience some amount of swelling immediately after your rhinoplasty. This is a natural response from the body. Inflammation allows the tissues to heal and prevents infection.
Any inflammation will subside after a short period of time. If swelling is a result of fluid retention, it may take a bit longer for it to return to normal. Inflammation can also be accompanied by tenderness, which will also be temporary.
Proper Breathing
Your breathing will be affected immediately after receiving a rhinoplasty. If there’s any bleeding after the procedure, your doctor can provide you with packing for your nostrils. But this will require you to breathe through your mouth, which can be awkward for many patients. Knowing this in advance helps you prepare and makes it easy to get used to breathing through the mouth until you heal completely.
A splint or cast will also be provided to ensure that your nose heals properly. Cold and warm compresses can also be used to help the healing process. Be sure to consult with your doctor on when the right time to use these would be.
Know What to Avoid
Alcohol and some dietary supplements will need to be avoided to prevent complications.
You won’t be able to consume alcohol for the two days following your procedure. Doctors also advise patients to avoid consuming alcohol for a period of two weeks. Alcohol may interfere with any medications you may be taking.
Alcohol causes the blood vessels to become dilated, which causes additional swelling and affects the circulation of blood to the tissues. It can also thin the blood, which encourages increased bleeding.
Fish oil and flaxseed supplements can contribute to the swelling that may occur after your rhinoplasty and should be avoided during recovery.
These four steps will help you prepare for your rhinoplasty procedure and recovery. Understanding the things that can occur during the healing process will ensure that you know what to do to minimize any unwanted symptoms.
Consult with your doctor to come up with a recovery plan that suits your needs and optimizes the results you’ll achieve with your rhinoplasty.