Whether you’ve already scheduled your rhinoplasty surgery date or you’re still contemplating booking a consultation, you’re probably curious about what you need to do to prepare. There are several things to keep in mind in preparation for your rhinoplasty, from the consultation all the way to your surgery date. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts for rhinoplasty patients.
Do: Ask questions during your consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Walker is your chance to ask any questions you might have about the procedure and recovery period. Some patients even choose to write down a list of their questions to make sure they don’t forget anything in the moment.
Do: Complete any necessary medical exams or tests
Before your rhinoplasty, Dr. Walker may ask that you complete medical exams or tests to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery. This often includes a blood test to check blood sugar and screen for anemia or blood clotting disorders. Make sure to schedule these tests accordingly so you’re ready for surgery.
Do: Eat healthy
Proper nutrition and a balanced, healthy diet are important to help you heal properly following your rhinoplasty. If you’re not used to prioritizing nutritious foods, start working easy and healthy recipes into your routine as soon as possible so your recovery process will be smooth.
Do: Take a shower before surgery
The day of your surgery, you’ll be asked to take a shower before you arrive at the hospital. This helps you avoid infection. After your regular shower routine, you should also clean your skin using antiseptic soap, which can be found at most drugstores, and avoid using moisturizers or hair products after.
Don’t: Smoke
Besides being horrible for your health, smoking slows the healing process. For this reason, it’s important to quit smoking at least two weeks before your rhinoplasty.
Don’t: Drink alcohol
Most plastic surgeons recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before your rhinoplasty and during the recovery process. This is because alcohol affects anesthesia and sedatives.
Don’t: Wear jewelry, makeup, or nail polish
On the day of your surgery, you should arrive at the hospital without any makeup, nail polish, or lotion on. It’s also important to leave jewelry or any valuables at home, because there is a small chance these could get lost at the hospital while you’re in surgery.
Don’t: Eat or drink before surgery
Before surgery, you should fast for eight hours. This means no eating or drinking until after the procedure is complete.
Don’t: Take anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements can result in excess bleeding during your surgery, causing complications. Common anti-inflammatories include aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen (such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve), vitamin E, herbal supplements, and fish oil.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about rhinoplasty and find out whether the procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Walker in Atlanta, Georgia. Call (470) 900-FACE or request an appointment through our online form.
