Los Angeles Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills - Revision Rhinoplasty

Purchase Over-the-Counter Items

	Rhinoplasty and chin implant

Before your procedure, be sure to purchase any over-the-counter items your surgeon has recommended. Over-the-counter products such as mild shampoos and facial cleansers are commonly recommended for use prior to facial cosmetic surgery. Other items required for your postoperative care may include hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial ointment, gauze pads, Q-Tips swabs, saline spray for the nose, and herbal remedies such as Arnica montana, which may decrease bruising.

Arrange for a Caregiver

An important task you need to take care of before surgery is to arrange for a caregiver. Your caregiver can be a spouse, a significant other, a parent, a friend, or any responsible adult with whom you feel comfortable. This person will need to drive you to and from surgery and will need to stay with you for at least twenty-four hours following surgery.

If you would prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional care, you may wish to go to an aftercare facility following your surgery. Staffed with people who are familiar with post-operative care, these facilities can also provide transportation for you. Your surgeon's office can provide recommendations for facilities in the area where you can rest and recover in a warm and supportive environment.

Some surgeons prescribe anti-anxiety pills, or sedatives, the night before and sometimes the morning of your procedure. These pills help you to relax and get a good night's sleep. However, driving isn't advised for forty-eight hours after a sedative dosage, so you shouldn't drive yourself to your procedure. Following your procedure, you won't be allowed to drive yourself home because the effects of anesthesia can leave you feeling groggy. The surgical staff will ask you for your caregiver's name and contact information and will call this person when you're ready to go home, unless he or she remains in the waiting room during your procedure.

Even if you're feeling okay, it's important that your caregiver stay with you for the first twenty-four hours following your rhinoplasty procedure. Anesthesia agents can remain in your system for twenty-four hours, making you feel tired and a bit "out of it." Your caregiver can be available to give your medications and to provide assistance getting around the house. In the rare event that complications arise or you have a medical emergency, your caregiver can call the surgeon or drive you back to the surgeon's office or to a hospital. Even if your recovery is completely uneventful, you'll have peace of mind knowing that someone is there for you.

Plan for Your Recovery

	Patient had rhinoplasty along with eyelid lift and laser skin resurfacing around mouth

Even though the recovery period doesn't begin until after your surgery, it's a good idea to start planning for it beforehand. Being prepared can make your recovery a relatively stress-free and enjoyable experience.

• Plan on taking it easy for approximately two weeks.
• Make sure you have a recliner or two to three pillows on hand since you'll have to sleep with your head elevated during recovery.
• Place everything you'll need during your recovery at least at waist height so you won't have to bend over to pick up objects.
• Do any necessary housework or laundry before your surgery so that you won't feel compelled to do it while your nose heals, when you should be resting.
• Place a table near your bed to hold all necessary items so that you won't have to get up and down continuously.
• Go grocery shopping and stock up on "soft foods," such as soup, gelatin, pudding, and protein drinks.
• Prepare a few meals ahead of time and freeze them so that you can just pop them in the microwave when needed.
• If you have children, make sure you arrange for your spouse or a babysitter to care for them while you recuperate.
• If you work, make arrangements for your work to be taken care of while you're recovering.
• Stock up on DVDs, books, magazines, CDs, and other diversions to make your recovery a more pleasant experience.

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