Choosing to undergo plastic surgery isn’t a decision to take lightly. Many patients want to know how to prepare before their procedure to get the best possible results. For rhinoplasty patients here in Washington, DC, and around the country, we offer a few tips and tricks to smooth out the surgery experience.
Here are 5 easy ways to prepare for your rhinoplasty surgery, helping you feel more comfortable and confident when heading into your procedure.
Arrange for reliable transportation
It won’t be safe for you to drive yourself home after surgery. Because of this, be sure to find a trusted loved one who can safely take you where you need to go. You may also want to arrange for a reliable caretaker to watch over you the first 24 hours. Ask friends and family if they can be there to support you, both physically and emotionally.
Adjust your diet and health habits
A good surgery and successful recovery start with a healthy lifestyle. Eat plenty of fibrous foods before surgery to help your digestion. A high-fiber diet prevents constipation that sometimes develops from post-operative medications and anesthetics. Supplements such as vitamin D and iron also help with healing. Refrain from smoking for a few weeks before your procedure as well.
Stock up your house
Movement may be a bit uncomfortable in your first few days at home. To make things easier for yourself and your loved ones, stock up on household supplies ahead of time. Go grocery shopping before your surgery so there’s plenty of easy-to-make food, and fill prescriptions for pain medications, antibiotics, or sleeping aids. Try to have a cold compress on hand to help reduce swelling and allow you to heal more comfortably.
Apply for leave from your job
Fully recovering from rhinoplasty surgery takes a little bit of time. If you are working, be sure to request about 7 days off from work, giving yourself plenty of time to rest and heal. If you work a low-movement job, you can expect to return to work once your sutures have been removed, which is typically after 1 week. Refrain from any strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
Clear your schedule
Allow yourself the time to truly relax (mentally and physically) when you’re recovering at home. If you have any major projects or lingering family duties, take care of them before you head into surgery. Organize meal prep, childcare, or carpool help so you can stay at home and rest. Schedule your rhinoplasty surgery at a time that works well for you and your loved ones’ schedules.
Getting ready for surgery can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But by preparing beforehand and having your details sorted out, you can simply focus on recovering and enjoying your new rhinoplasty results. Browse our rhinoplasty before-and-after photos to see the type of results you can look forward to. At your initial consultation, we will discuss your desired nose shape and include computer imaging to show you a simulation of possible results.
If you would like to learn more about your best rhinoplasty options from a plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, please request a consultation online. You can also contact our plastic surgery offices by phone at (703) 560-2850 (Annandale, VA) or (301) 652-7700 (Chevy Chase, MD).
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