How Do I Prepare for a Nose Surgery Procedure?
If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, you may also be wondering what you need to do to prepare for the procedure
As with any type of surgery, there are a number of steps that you should follow, which your surgeon will discuss in detail. The following, however, should give you a good guideline as to how to prepare:
Medical history
When you see your surgeon for your initial consultation, a detailed medical history will be taken. You will be asked questions about conditions such as high blood pressure and whether you have any kind of nasal defect that is causing you difficulty with breathing. Your surgeon will also need to know about any medications you are on, so it is a good idea to bring along any prescriptions you may have.
Physical exam
The doctor will examine your nose inside and out, check your skin, order any lab work (blood tests) that he or she feels are necessary, and give you a physical exam.
Photographs
Someone at the clinic will take photos of your nose from different angles, and your doctor will use a computer to show you how your nose can be changed. It will also serve as your “before” photo, and the computer-simulated photo will act as a guide for your doctor during the surgery.
Talk about your expectations
After the medical history, physical exam, and photos, your doctor will then have a frank discussion with you about what your expectations are concerning your nose surgery. Think about what you wish to change about your nose and why. Your doctor will also explain what rhinoplasty surgery can and can’t do for you.
Medication
Your doctor will tell you which medications to continue or discontinue before surgery and for how long before and after surgery. The reason is that some medications, such as ibuprofen, act like a blood thinner and can cause you to bleed more easily. There may also be concerns of interaction of medication with anaesthesia. Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions on when to stop medications.
Smoking
If you smoke, you need to stop at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and wait at least 2 to 3 weeks after surgery before starting again. Smoking can really impact how much you bleed and bruise during surgery and how quickly you recover afterwards.
Driving
After the surgery, you will be impaired from the anaesthesia and will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours. Arrange ahead of time to have a driver available for after the procedure to drive you home. You may also want to arrange to have a person who can stay with you to make sure you are all right when you return home.
Cleaning & Lifting
Do you have cleaning to do or a project to do that involves heavy lifting? Be sure to get it done prior to your surgery. Once your surgery is done, you’ll need to refrain from this type of activity for at least 3 weeks.
Food and beverages
Stock up on plenty of water and drinks, as you will be breathing through your mouth at first, which can cause your mouth to dry out. Also, try to get foods that do not require a lot of pressure when chewing. Soft foods like mashed potatoes or pudding are good choices instead of hard nuts or thick pretzels.
Rhinoplasty surgery can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that the operation does come with a certain amount of risk and downtime. By preparing properly, you can reduce both of these and make the experience a more comfortable one.
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