If you’re getting ready to take the plunge and move forward with rhinoplasty, then you’re probably excited and a bit scared. Rhinoplasty is a complicated and difficult procedure, and you want to do everything you can to set yourself up for success and avoid complications.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do before and after surgery to help ensure proper healing and a good outcome. Here are some tips for ways you can prepare and help improve your rhinoplasty results.

Pre-Op

Many pre-op instructions are for your safety under anesthesia, so don’t take these instructions lightly. Here are some ways to help ensure your surgery goes smoothly:

Avoid Certain Medicines and Supplements

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements can increase bleeding and anesthesia risks, even seemingly innocuous supplements like vitamin E and garlic. Your surgeon will ask you about any medications you’re taking, and provide you with a list of what to avoid two weeks before surgery. Be honest, and don’t take chances with your safety by taking something you shouldn’t.

Stop Smoking & Drinking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in plastic surgery patients, and not just immediately before and after surgery, either. Prospective patients will need to be smoke-free months or weeks ahead of time before the procedure. This is because smoking increases major risks to safety during the procedure, and can compromise the healing process and overall results following surgery.

Alcohol is a concern as well, but patients can continue drinking until a week or two before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with the details of when drinking is safe, but it’s better to be cautious. Alcohol can also have major repercussions on safety and results.

Prepare For Recovery

During recovery, all you’ll feel like doing is taking it easy, and you’ll have major activity restrictions. Because of this, it’s important to prepare your home for your recovery ahead of time. Set up a comfortable chair with entertainment at your fingertips, and make sure your bed is prepared, with lots of pillows to keep your head elevated.

A diet of takeout isn’t the best for a recovering patient, so consider preparing meals ahead of time, and freezing them for easy access during the healing phase. It is also a good idea to make sure your errands and to-do list are checked off before you check in for surgery—you’ll have less to worry about when you should be putting your feet up.

Post-Op

It can be hard to remember everything you’re supposed to do following surgery, but what’s most important is to take it easy, and to not take chances with your results. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Follow All Instructions

Your surgeon has your best interests at heart, and knows what you need to do to optimize your results. Take his or her instructions seriously, and make sure you follow them as closely as possible, no matter how inconvenient they are. A good rhinoplasty lasts a lifetime, so take the steps to make sure you heal properly. Keep an eye on your incisions, and report signs of trouble to your plastic surgeon.

Take Care

Your nose will be very fragile for several weeks after surgery, and still exhibit significant swelling for several months. You need to be careful with things like nose-blowing, wearing glasses, brushing your teeth, and other activities that affect the nasal area.

Be Well

Eating a healthy diet will help you heal faster and make you feel better. While you should postpone strenuous exercise, light activity a few days after surgery is good for you, as long as you follow your doctor’s guidelines. Take care of your body as well as your nose—it will make the experience much more comfortable.

Most Importantly: Choose the Right Surgeon

Even before you begin to prepare for the surgery itself, you will need to make the most important preparation of all: choosing your facial plastic surgeon. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and custom procedures available, and it takes an expert with an artistic touch to produce good outcomes for a variety of patients. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success and avoid needing a revision procedure is to take your time and choose the surgeon who is best for you. Your surgeon should absolutely be board certified, and preferably be a dedicated facial plastic surgeon.

Consultations are great for getting your candidacy assessed, asking questions, and discussing your goals for rhinoplasty, but they are also extremely valuable for screening prospective surgeons and developing rapport. Don’t be shy—ask questions, and come to your consultations well-researched.

Ready to discuss your procedure with an expert? Come to Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery and meet with double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rami Batniji. Dr. Batniji is a skilled and experienced surgeon, with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, aesthetics, and surgery. Call Dr. Batniji’s Newport Beach(949-650-8882) or Beverly Hills(310-467-2180 locations today to schedule your consultation.