Five Basic Rhinoplasty Preparation Tips

Choosing to schedule a rhinoplasty is a rewarding decision. But prior to undergoing the procedure, patients will need to run a few errands and take care of some important tasks beforehand. Here’s a checklist of five helpful tips every rhinoplasty patient will want to follow to ensure a smooth experience.

1) Have medical testing done early.
In rare cases, patients are advised to have one or more types of testing done, including blood work, X-rays, or an electrocardiogram. I will discuss any concerns I have at your consultation so that you may complete these well before your pre-operative appointment so that we may visit over the results in detail. Often, I can obtain results from other providers, including your primary care provider, to save you time and inconvenience. Indeed, I like to make this process a simple, though as safe, as possible.

2) Fill prescriptions in advance.
You’ll need to take a few prescription medications following your rhinoplasty. Most commonly, patients will need to have four prescriptions filled before the day of surgery—a pain medication, an antibiotic, and two anti-nausea medicines. By having these medicines ready beforehand, you’ll have one less thing to worry about following surgery.

3) Quit smoking.
If you are a smoker, there’s no better time to quit than now. You’ll reduce your risk for infection and will make the healing process easier for your body. The earlier you end your nicotine habit, the better. To this end, we will help you in any way possible. Nicotine patches and other substitutes may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4) Plan on having a loved one join you.
You’ll want someone to come with you the day of your surgery in order to be driven home after waking up. If you live alone, ask someone to stay with you at least the first night after surgery if possible. Some patients travel from other states for this procedure or would like to have an “unveiling” for family and friends; though we always prefer a family member to serve as caregiver, we have an excellent home nursing service that can transport you and even take care of you overnight at a hotel or your own home.

5) Prepare to eat and walk.
Prepare a few meals in advance so that you can concentrate on what I really want you doing: walking 30 minutes, three times daily starting the day after the procedure. The recovery is typically not very uncomfortable, however, I need you focused on the recovery and not housework!