You’re seriously considering rhinoplasty. It’s the one feature about you that you don’t like. You’re not alone. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures of choice. Whether your nose has a bump on the bridge, you feel it is too big, or it is hooked at the end, your plastic surgeon can do wonders with rhinoplasty that is tailored to suit you.
As an added advantage, your procedure could do more than enhance your appearance. If you are prone to sinus infections or have sleep apnea due to blocked nasal passages at night, your procedure could correct the problem. Not only can you look better, you can breathe more easily as well.
Rhinoplasty Involves a Recovery Period
While rhinoplasty is cosmetic in most cases, it is still surgery. You are going to have to deal with a recovery period while the healing process is underway. You can’t go in for your outpatient procedure and expect to be back to normal by the following day.
For the first week after your procedure, you can expect to wear bandaging on your nose. Swelling is normal. It will make you feel like you have a cold, but you can’t blow and should do your best not to sneeze.
Expect some bruising that is typically around the eyes and the nose. You may be prescribed medication for the pain. This can make you feel fatigued for the first few days.
You should not do anything strenuous in this period. Expect to take the first week off from your job. It will take another week to see that swelling go down as your bruising fades. You will still need to steer clear of any heavy lifting. If your job requires physical labor, you may need an additional week off.
After a two week period, you can return to your normal activities, although your plastic surgeon may recommend that you hold off on any overexertion for at least three weeks. You should take care to protect your incision when you go outside once it is no longer covered with a bandage. Wear sunscreen as a precaution.
What are Natural Remedies that You Can Use to Improve Your Recovery from Rhinoplasty?
If you do not want to rely on prescription medication after your procedure and you prefer natural remedies, there are several things you can do to improve the healing process.
Be sure to stay hydrated. This is essential for your health at all times and can give your body a boost after surgery. You will find that there are a variety of supplements that are available that can promote healthy circulation and boost your immune system as well. Choose a nutritional plan that includes foods that are known to reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E is beneficial to reduce scarring. You can lightly massage it into the incision area after your bandaging is removed. You can also find Calendula, a substance that comes from marigolds, to be used in liquid form in order to speed the healing process of your incision.
You can also use cold compresses to reduce swelling. You won’t put them on your nose itself, but you can place bags of crushed ice or bags of frozen peas over your eyes and your cheekbones.
You should sleep with your head elevated as well. Walk regularly to enhance your circulation. This will also help you to bring your swelling down more quickly.
You should take a bath instead of a shower to aid in your recovery process as well. Listen to your body. If you are tired after your procedure, make sure you get enough rest. Be patient with yourself. Once your nose has healed, you will be able to enjoy the results of your procedure.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that can be performed at your plastic surgeon’s office of clinic. You may have open rhinoplasty in which your plastic surgeon makes an incision in the strip of skin that is found between your nostrils.
This type of procedure is necessary for more advanced forms of rhinoplasty that involve reshaping of the structure of your nose. Otherwise, your plastic surgeon may perform closed rhinoplasty in which incisions are made inside your nose. The extent of your procedure may lengthen your healing time.
If your procedure is closed and minor, you might be back to most of your activities with little signs that you had surgery within a week. If your nose was reshaped to a major extent, expect to take at least two weeks before your swelling goes down. Your procedure will probably run an hour to two hours. You can choose between local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will advise you on the best method for your procedure. Follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations before and after surgery.
If you take good care of yourself, stop using medications before the procedure that can cause bleeding, and use your surgeon’s recommended medications after your procedure, you can expect a positive experience during your recovery.
You should avoid smoking and alcohol prior to your procedure. You should ask your surgeon how long you should avoid those substances following rhinoplasty. Smoking, in particular, is a habit that you can do without for the rest of your life. Not only will it help you to heal more quickly, it will keep you healthier as well. Your rhinoplasty procedure could help you to take steps toward improved well-being.
If you have questions about rhinoplasty and natural ways you can aid the healing process, Glasgold Group Plastic Surgery has answers. Dr. Mark Glasgold
, Dr. Robert Glasgold, Dr. Alvin Glasgold and staff members will be able to offer you the expert advice you need in order to feel peace of mind about your procedure. You will have a thorough evaluation in order to educate yourself about your options.
