Prior to rhinoplasty procedure, a patient can take several steps to prepare well for the cosmetic surgery, minimize the risk of complications, and ensure more desirable results. Thorough preparation will form the foundation for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty and other surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding communities.
Nutrition
In the weeks preceding the rhinoplasty procedure, the patient should improve their diet and nutrition. Good nutrition will help to reduce infection risks by boosting immunity and support faster healing. The proportion of lean proteins should be increased in the diet, while salt intake should be reduced.
However, nutrition supplements, herbals, and vitamins should not be taken during this period without the surgeon’s advice. Alcohol intake should be minimized or completely stopped in the weeks leading up to the nose cosmetic surgery in order to support the liver’s ability to metabolize.
Medications
The patient should prepare a list of all the medications, including prescribed and over the counter drugs as well as herbal supplements and vitamins that they may be currently taking. The surgeon may have to temporarily take the patient off certain medications, or prescribe alternatives, sometimes in consultation with the physician.
The surgeon will particularly ask the patient to avoid the use of medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and blood thinners for two to three weeks prior to rhinoplasty.
Smoking
Nicotine in the bloodstream can interfere with blood flow and inhibit the delivery of oxygenated blood to the incision sites very quickly. As a result, a smoker may have a longer post-surgical downtime, higher risk of infection and unfavorable scarring.
The surgeon will strongly advise the patient to refrain from smoking for at least 15 days before and 15 days after the procedure. Dr. Yavrouian is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon receiving patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas.
Recovery Preparation
The patient should ideally prepare for the recovery well in advance. They should take at least one week off from their workplace to allow for safer initial healing at home. Rhinoplasty will be performed as an outpatient procedure, and the patient should arrange for someone to drive them back home after the surgery. They should preferably have someone to assist at home for the first two to three days.
The Day of Surgery
The patient should obtain a marvelous night’s rest the night before the surgery. They should not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to surgery. They should thoroughly wash the face and hair before leaving for hospital to avoid bacterial contamination. Makeup, jewelry, and other cosmetic products should be avoided while visiting the hospital on the surgery day.
If the patient is a diabetic or suffers from a heart condition, they may be required to undergo a few tests prior to the surgery. They should feel free to ask any last-minute questions in order to relieve themselves of any anxiety before the surgery.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.
