Rhinoplasty or nose job is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery that people undergo. Every year more than 220,000 people, only in the US, go for this surgery to get their nose shape altered.  However, like every other surgery, there are certain things that a patient must consider before opting for this surgery. 

If you are planning to get rhinoplasty, you should have a detailed meeting with your surgeon to know whether you’re a valid candidate for this surgery or not.

Once you have decided to get this procedure and have got a green flag from your surgeon, these are the things you need to know. We have jotted down some simple before and after surgery guidelines for you that will help you in recovering fast.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Before the Surgery:

  • After setting the date for your surgery, start avoiding these medicines: Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other non-steroidal medicines that are anti-inflammatory. Additionally, Vitamin E, herbal supplements or any other medicines containing these two ingredients should not be taken two weeks before surgery.
  • You should avoid smoking 2 weeks before surgery.
  • Always wear a sunblock of SPF 30 or higher, usually, SPF 50 is recommended. You have to avoid sun burning before your surgery.
  •  Additionally, purchase these non-prescription items beforehand.
    • Nasal Spray containing Saline.
    • Vaseline.
    • Sinecch or any other similar herbal ointment for reducing your swelling or bruising after surgery.
    • Any stool softener or laxative because many people experience constipation after surgery.
  • Don’t drink or eat anything 12 hours before your surgery.
  • Ask a family member to accompany you for your procedure and make arrangements to spend the night in the hospital or somewhere nearby.

Guidelines for the Day of Surgery:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothes that you can easily wear after surgery.
  • Do not consume any food or liquid 12 hours before your surgery. Not even water.
  • Early in the morning take a shot of Sinecch.
  • Leave all your valuables at home.
  • Do not wear any make-up or nail polish.
  • Don’t wear any jewellery or eyewear.
  • Carry your insurance and ID cards with you.

After Surgery Post-Op care:

 Regularly change your dressing.

Do not blow your nose two weeks after surgery. If you have to sneeze, do it with your mouth open.

Keep your nose moist after the surgery, use saline spray for keeping it moist. Use 2 puffs per nostril 4 to 6 times a day or more to speed up healing.

Use a cotton-tipped applicator and apply Vaseline ointment to your stitches inside your nostrils and on your nose.

Keep your head in an elevated position for the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling. You should sleep with an extra pillow or two to keep your neck high.

No exposure to the sun, sun lamps or tanning beds for at least six weeks after surgery as heat may cause swelling.

Don’t wear any type of glasses for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

Avoid strenuous exercises for at least 3 weeks after surgery. You can start going for walks after 3 days but no swimming for a month.

Only take the medicines that your doctor has prescribed.

After the removal of the cast, you may clean your nose mildly with soap. You can even wear make-up if you want after removing the cast.

Tips For Speeding Up Your Recovery Time:   

To enjoy fast healing after getting rhinoplasty, follow these simple steps:

Use Cold Packs:

Apply cold compression to your nose in the first 72 hours after surgery. You can apply a cold pack to your cheeks instead of your nose to avoid disturbing your nose’s setting.

Take Enough Rest:

Give your body rest for proper healing.

Eat Healthy:

Consume a balanced and healthy diet to speed up your recovery time.

Stay Cool:

Don’t take steamy baths, avoid sauna and even avoid hot foods such as soups after surgery. These things will increase the swelling of your nose, slowing its healing time.   

Stay Indoors Avoid Sun:

Too much exposure to the sun isn’t good for your skin. After a nose job, if you expose your nose to too much sunlight, it may scar, darken and get sunburnt. Moreover, it can also increase swelling on your nose.

No Smoking:

Undoubtedly, smoking is injurious to your health. Nevertheless, if you still smoke, you must avoid smoking for at least 3-6 weeks after surgery as your nose is directly involved in smoking.

Patience is the Key:

Like every other surgical procedure, you have to be patient regarding the recovery time. Always remember that it takes time for an organ to heal. Therefore, observing patience will keep you stress-free and help in speeding up your recovery time.

These are some of the guidelines that the experts at the most famous and renowned centers for Plastic Surgery in Dubai have provided on their websites.

Author's Bio: 

Apart from being a health and wellness expert, Matilda Smith is an avid writer. She likes putting words to her thoughts and inspire others through her writing. Her area of interest lies in health, wellness, and fitness. Creative writing is her foray and numerous articles published in different publications serve as a testimony to her skills.