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Preparing for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
Before you set foot in the operating room, you can begin preparing for your rhinoplasty surgery. The steps you take prior to surgery will help ensure the safety and success of your procedure. Planning ahead can also help ease the stress that you may feel just prior to your surgery. And preparations made before surgery can lead to a more comfortable and enjoyable recovery after surgery.
When to Schedule Your Surgery
Consider the timing of your surgery. For instance, if you're hoping to show off your new profile at a wedding, a graduation, or some other big event, you may want to plan your surgery several months in advance. It can take up to six months or a year for the swelling to disappear completely, so plan your surgery accordingly. If you'll need to take time off from work or school, consider scheduling your surgery for a Friday so that you'll have an extra weekend to recuperate. You can schedule your rhinoplasty surgery at any time of the year; however, a study from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that most patients elect to undergo nose surgery during the summer.
What Will You Tell People?
Before you have surgery, you might give some thought to what you wish to tell friends and family about your cosmetic surgery. Perhaps you're comfortable revealing the fact that you're having cosmetic surgery to reshape your nose. However, if you'd rather inform only a few close friends and family members, you may want to come up with an explanation for others about why you took time away from work or school.
Schedule Medical Tests
Depending on your age and your medical history, you may be required to undergo certain medical tests before surgery. These tests are usually performed to alert the cosmetic surgeon to any potential health risks that may prevent you from having surgery or that might require additional monitoring during surgery.
Physical: Your surgeon may request that you undergo a general physical with your primary care physician. During the physical, your physician will likely check your eyes, ears, nose, and throat in addition to listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): An EKG is a test that measures the electrical signals controlling the rhythm of your heart. For this painless exam, small metal discs called electrodes are attached to your chest and perhaps to your arms, back, or legs. The electrodes are connected to a machine that records electrical activity. This test can reveal irregularities in your heartbeat as well as evidence of past heart attacks. If any irregularities are noted in the test, you may be required to undergo additional testing.
Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count, or CBC, is a test that measures thirteen blood levels within your body. To perform this simple test, blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and analyzed by a lab technician. A CBC can reveal a number of blood deficiencies or blood disorders that could affect the safety of your procedure and the length of your recovery. For example, a deficiency of white blood cells could increase your risk of infection after surgery. Low levels of hemoglobin, which provides oxygen to your body's tissues and skin, could slow the healing process. And you could experience increased bruising and bleeding if you have inadequate platelet levels.
Fill Prescriptions
Your surgeon will prescribe certain medications, and it's a good idea to pick them up prior to your surgery. Even if you aren't supposed to start taking some of the medications until after your surgery, it's better to have them on hand before you return home from surgery. Medications commonly prescribed for rhinoplasty patients include antibiotics, sleeping aids, anti-anxiety medications, pain medications, steroids, multivitamins, and vitamin C.
Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics are often prescribed as a preventive measure to ward off infection. If your surgeon prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take them exactly as instructed.
Sleeping aids: Getting an adequate amount of sleep following surgery can speed the healing process. For this reason, your surgeon may prescribe sleeping aids. When used as directed, these are safe to take with pain medication.
Anti-anxiety medication: To ease the anxiety associated with undergoing rhinoplasty, your surgeon may prescribe anti-anxiety pills, such as Valium. You may be instructed to take this medication the night before and/or the morning of your procedure.
Pain medications: Your surgeon will prescribe medication to keep you pain-free following surgery. In addition to your prescription pain medication, you'll be advised to get a nonprescription pain reliever, such as Tylenol, that doesn't contain aspirin or ibuprofen. Many rhinoplasty patients find that they do not need pain medication after surgery.
Steroids: To help reduce the nasal congestion that often occurs during the recovery period following rhinoplasty, you may be instructed to take certain steroids. These steroids are taken in pill form and are safe when taken as instructed.
Vitamins: To improve your overall health
and well-being, your surgeon may recommend
that you start taking a multivitamin a few weeks
prior to surgery. Your surgeon may recommend
that you begin taking vitamin C a few weeks
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