Preparing for the surgery
The first step in getting a nose job or rhinoplasty is to find the right surgeon — preferably one with a surgeon with a state-of-the-art suite for operations and a high rating from customers. You probably already have an idea of what you want your new nose to look like, but it’s important to have a thorough conversation with the surgeon and listen to his or her advice. Some surgeons can use computer imaging to show you various possible outcomes of the surgery, which may give you a new idea of the results you want from the operation.
Two weeks before undergoing rhinoplasty, you should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E or herbal supplements, especially those that may increase bleeding. Also, nicotine can constrict the blood vessels and slow the healing process, so if you smoke, this would be a good time to stop, at least until the healing process is complete. If you wear glasses, get a pair of cheek rests. Your surgeon may recommend you take certain medications at this time. Follow his or her advice.
One day before surgery, you should cut back on salt, and buy plenty of lip balm and beverages. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery, and to help you out for the first few days of recovery.
Recovering from surgery
After surgery, you’ll spend a lot of time breathing through your mouth. This is why you bought all that lip balm and the beverages, to keep your mouth wet. Don’t do anything strenuous that might raise blood pressure in your head, and don’t blow your nose. Avoid wearing pullover garments that might put pressure on your nose while being put on or taken off. It’ll be a while before you can put anything on your nose — this is why people with glasses need cheek rests. There will usually be swelling and bruising in the nose. The bruising will fade within a week to ten days, while the swelling can last for several weeks.
You won’t be able to see exactly what your new nose looks like until the swelling is gone, and not everyone who gets a nose job is satisfied with the results. According to a study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, about one in thirty nose jobs needs revision. If you’re one of the unlucky few, you should wait for at least one year after the first nose job.
Charlotte’s best rhinoplasty surgeon
Dr. Sean Freeman is Charlotte’s top rhinoplasty surgeon, certified by two different surgery boards. He has done only facial plastic surgery, including nose jobs, since 1988. Many of his patients have already gotten nose jobs from other surgeons and come to him for revision rhinoplasty to make them better. If you live in or near Charlotte and want a nose job, schedule your appointment or online consultation today.
Contact Dr. Sean Freeman at Only Faces, Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and top facial plastic surgeon, to schedule a consultation to find out what procedure is right for you. Call today.
