Having prior knowledge of what things to avoid before and after the procedure can make a real difference. This will not only aid in your procedure but also speed up your healing process. Here, you will learn about pre and post-operative instructions for your rhinoplasty procedure.
There are a lot of things you can do in advance to make a recovery seamless and smooth. For example, you can avoid alcohol, smoking, and some medications. But how do these things affect your recovery? Let’s explore.
Table of Contents
Pre and Post-operative Instructions for Rhinoplasty
Avoid Smoking
People considering getting nose jobs in the UK should refrain from smoking. Why?
Cigarettes contain a high volume of nicotine that can constrict the blood vessels. This increases the risk of infection and other complications, thus affecting the healing process.
Your surgeon will ask you to avoid smoking at least 6 weeks before and after the procedure. While this is the current standard, it’s best to completely stop smoking before the procedure and not restart.
Avoid Some Medicines
It’s recommended to discuss the medications you are taking (if any) with your surgeon.
You may need to avoid ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin E, herbal supplements, or any medications containing these compounds for two weeks before the procedure.
This is because drugs like aspirin have blood-thinning properties and may increase bleeding, thus increasing the recovery time.
However, taking daily multivitamins and paracetamol (Tylenol or any generic equivalent) are fine. But you should first consult with your surgeon.
Avoid Topical Creams
Avoid topical creams containing Salicylic Acid and other BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), along with AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), Benzoyl Peroxide, Retin-A, and Obagi, because they can prolong wound healing. Instead, stick to simple cleansers and moisturisers.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
You should stop drinking alcohol for ten days before and after the procedure. Since alcohol may make your nose bleed more at the time of rhinoplasty.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Excessive sun exposure can increase complications. So, avoid going out in without wearing SPF 30 sunscreen two weeks before the procedure. Also, use SPF 30 sunscreen on your nose once the surgeon removes your nose dressing and splints to prevent irregular discolouration in the nose’s skin.
Use Saline Nasal Spray and Antibiotic Ointment
- Saline Nasal Spray: Use the saline nasal spray to clean and irrigate the inside incisions.
- Antibiotic Ointment: You can apply a small amount of ointment to each nostril to prevent any crust and/or scab formation.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Include nutritious and hearty meals in your diet before and after the procedure for a speedy recovery. You can add many healthy snacks, like fruit and nuts, between meals. Ensure your meal contains high-fibre fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation as it can cause you to strain, putting pressure on your surgery site.
Wear Soft, Loose-fitting Clothes
After the procedure, you should avoid clothes that can put pressure on your nose while dressing or undressing. Instead, you should wear button-up shirts or anything that fastens in the front. Furthermore, raise your head higher than your chest when sleeping for the first few days after the procedure to reduce swelling and bleeding.
Brush Your Teeth Gently
Your surgeon will advise you to gently brush your teeth to avoid putting pressure on your nose.
Avoid Wearing Eyeglasses
Wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses can put pressure on your nose. You can use cheek rests until your nose has healed. You can even use contact lenses.
Avoid Exercises After Rhinoplasty
Before rhinoplasty, you can perform all your daily tasks and activities. But after rhinoplasty, you should avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks of the procedure. Afterwards, you can gradually resume all your activities.In addition, don’t blow your nose for the first 7-10 days.
Takeaway!
There are many things a patient can do before and after the procedure to reduce discomfort and swelling. Above, we have mentioned some ways to reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort and speed up the healing process.
It’s also recommended to prefer a surgeon with board certification, a good surgery portfolio, and experience for a successful nose job in the UK.
