Congratulations on scheduling your rhinoplasty surgery! Even if you are just gathering information for now, it can be helpful to know how to prepare for the procedure.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery and PURE MedSpa in Glen Burnie, MD, we are passionate about nose reshaping surgery. We understand the positive impact that nose jobs can have on our patients’ lives. Here’s what you should know about nasal surgery and how to prepare for it.
Learn About Nose Jobs: What Is Rhinoplasty?
What is rhinoplasty and what can it do for you? Rhinoplasty surgery, also known as a nose job or nose augmentation, aims to reshape your nose. Nose reshaping can improve your quality of life in several ways.
During this nose surgery, we address problems and concerns you have with your nose. Nose reshaping involves changing the position and thickness of your nasal tissues. In the end, you end up with a more aesthetically pleasing and functional nose. There are different types of nose augmentation that serve different purposes.
Types of Nose Jobs
When you come in for a nose job consultation, you probably think of one standard procedure. In reality, rhinoplasty is more complex. There are different categories of nose surgery that address different issues you may have. Here’s how they work.
Closed Rhinoplasty
During a closed rhinoplasty, all of the incisions we make are inside your nasal passages. This means that we don’t make any openings on the outside of your nose.
A patient who wants to get rid of a hump on the bridge of their nose, for example, would benefit from a closed rhinoplasty. We simply go in and correct the problem internally without reshaping anything on the outside.
We can also place nasal implants through closed rhinoplasty surgery. Implants add structure and stability to your nose.
Open Rhinoplasty
During an open rhinoplasty, we make incisions on the outside of your nose. The incision typically starts at the spot in between your nostrils, also known as the medial nostril strip.
The benefit of open rhinoplasty surgery is that we can see the full scope of your nose while we work. We have more surgical control over the shape, structure, and appearance of your nose. Patients with more severe nose abnormalities can benefit from open rhinoplasty. Not every patient needs an open rhinoplasty procedure, so we will discuss this during your personalized consultation.
Revision Rhinoplasty
If you’ve had a nose job before and want to change something about your results, we can do that for you. Revision rhinoplasty procedures correct mistakes from previous surgeries. Revision rhinoplasty is especially helpful if you have a medical concern that prompted your first rhinoplasty.
Conditions like a deviated septum can require more than one nasal surgery. When you get a revision rhinoplasty with us, you can trust that your results will improve the aesthetics and functionality of your nose.
How to Get Ready for Your Nose Augmentation Procedure
Knowing what to expect as you get ready for your surgery can help you all the way through the recovery process. Here are some tips for preparing for a nose job.
Discontinue Certain Medications
You should always consult with your physician before stopping any medications. Before your rhinoplasty, you should avoid taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. This is also true of unregulated herbal supplements and aspirin. Certain medications can change the consistency of your blood and interfere with the healing process.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking tobacco products before your surgery can be harmful. While smoking is bad for your general health, it is especially important to avoid smoking before a surgical procedure.
Smoking causes inflammation throughout your nasal passages and lungs. Rhinoplasty surgery directly affects your nose, so it’s important to preserve as much comfort and health in your nose as possible. If you are currently a smoker, make a plan to stop smoking for several weeks before and after your surgery.
Get a Thorough Medical Workup
We start evaluating your medical history as early as your first consultation with us. We perform in-depth evaluations of your physical health and medical history before performing rhinoplasty. This is to ensure that you are in good general health and to account for any specific needs your body has before surgery.
Sometimes we order lab tests to check your blood levels. This is a normal part of the rhinoplasty process.
Arrange for a Ride Home After Surgery
One of the most important things to plan for before your nose surgery is a ride home. Rhinoplasty requires you to go under general anesthesia, so you will not be cleared to drive after the procedure.
It’s best to schedule your ride with a family member or close friend you trust. After surgery, comfort and rest should be your top priorities. Rhinoplasty doesn’t usually require an overnight stay in the surgery center, so keep that in mind when arranging for your ride home.
Make Your Recovery Space Comfortable
It’s important to think about how you will move around and get what you need in the days after your surgery. You should make a comfortable, functional space beside your bed or couch so that you can eat, sleep, and drink plenty of water without trouble.
Some patients ask a family member or friend to help them with their children and household chores after surgery. This is a good idea, as you will need to rest as much as possible.
Visit Our Rhinoplasty Specialist in Glen Burnie, MD
Talking to a rhinoplasty specialist before your procedure can ease your mind and give you important knowledge about the recovery process. Visit us at Maryland Plastic Surgery and PURE MedSpa in Glen Burnie, MD, to discuss your rhinoplasty today. Call (410) 553-9444 to schedule an appointment today.
