The moment a person decides to get a nose job, it is essential protocol for health professionals involved in the process to make sure the patient is well-educated about the procedure. Thoroughly orienting the client about the operation—its benefits, risks, and pre- and post-procedure expectations, preparations and activities— is crucial for optimal post-op recovery. This holds true for all kinds of surgeries and other medical procedures.
With sufficient know-how on post-operative health care measures, a person that has undergone rhinoplasty can make the most of the curative and cosmetic benefits of the surgery. In the first few weeks after nose reshaping, patients should be very religious to post-rhinoplasty care regimen to avoid disrupting the healing process and achieve faster recovery.
Here’s a list of what to AVOID to get the best longstanding results after a nose job.
1. Strenuous activities
Any kind of strenuous activity is an ultimate no-no for all pre-operative patients. Those who had just rhinoplasty specifically, must stay out from activities that might get their reshaped noses banged or twisted (e.g., contact sports, ball games, vigorous sex, weight lifting, bending, stretching, activities that strain the facial muscles, etc.). Usually, surgeons require at least a month of abstinence from these activities after rhinoplasty.
2. Direct sunlight
Avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least three months after a nose job to prevent swelling and hyperpigmentation of the nose. During this period, the nose and the skin on it are recovering and are still very sensitive. The sun’s hot rays may cause your nose to burn causing permanent discoloration and disruptions in the healing process.
However, protective measures can be taken in case one needs to go out in broad daylight. Normal, indirect sun exposure is allowable after at least a month as long as sunscreen lotion with SPF not less than 30 is applied every two hours. Hats and other protective clothing that cover the face also help.
3. Eye shades and glasses
If you have existing problems with vision, contact lenses are your best options for up to four weeks after nose reconstruction. The weight of eye glasses may cause slight deformities on the still soft and tender surface of the reshaped nose. If there’s just no way for you to wear contact lenses, you can settle with holding your glasses with your hand and peeking through them.
4. Smoking
We all know smoking has many unpleasant effects to the body and its healing processes. Thus avoiding smoking is both a pre- and post-operative requirement. A month of shunning from the puff before and after surgery is a must-do for better recovery. For chain smokers, this can be a good head-start towards a smoke-free life.
5. Failing to take medications as prescribed
Following rhinoplasty, your trusted nose cosmetic surgeon will prescribe you drugs that you should take religiously. These medications are intended to prevent inflammation, bruising and infections, relieve pain, thwart bleeding, and soothe nasal congestion. If you don’t want to suffer from all these, always take your meds as prescribed.
6. Sneezing
It’s clear what sneezing after a rhinoplasty can do to your newly shaped nose. Though nasal congestion and discharges are normal right after a nose surgery, sneezing is never part of the remedy. It’s like adding insult injury. Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks after the procedure to prevent bleeding and disruptions to healing.
7. Lying on a flat surface
Elevate the head with pillows or use a reclining bed for sleeping so your head stays up, for up to two weeks following a rhinoplasty. This ensures that proper and effective drainage of post-op discharges are facilitated. These discharges contain bacteria, discarded white blood cells and blood tinges that must be drained out.
8. Excessive stretching of the facial muscles
Intense chewing, hard laughing, hard tooth-brushing, elaborate expressions and other acts that cause too much stretching of the facial muscles greatly affect recovery from rhinoplasty. Though smelling is controlled by the olfactory nerve, it is the facial nerve that innervates the facial muscles which control our nasal movements. So facial movements almost always cause the nose to also move. It is then necessary to be extra careful in using the facial muscles after a nose job.
9. Swimming
Swimming, especially diving, should be avoided until your trusted nose cosmetic surgeon says you do so. Since the nose is still tender a few weeks after surgery, swimming puts harmful pressure on it and may cause serious complications.
10. Improper diet and nasal care
Always follow the advice of your nose cosmetic surgeon about proper diet and wound care after rhinoplasty. With regards to your diet, avoid food that cause you allergies and those that are hard to chew. Incorporate more protein and Vitamin C in your diet to promote faster healing and boost immunity.
Proper wound care must also be observed after the surgery. If nasal discharge continues, carefully wipe it with a sterile gauze instead of tissues or hankies to prevent infection. Using clean cotton swabs dipped in hydrogen peroxide also helps moisten dried nasal mucosa caused by the surgery. Further instructions on post-operative nasal care will be given to you. Follow them properly to achieve utmost recovery.
11. Ditching clinic visits
Reliable nose cosmetic surgeons always ensure they give follow-up care and have constant monitoring on their clients. This is important for you to achieve the best long-term results of your nose job. Your cooperation is needed for nose cosmetic surgeons to serve you better.
Sticking to the schedules set for follow-up care and clinic consultation is one way of showing cooperation. Regular consultation is highly paramount for the maintenance of your newly reshaped nose, so don’t ever ditch clinic visits.
The best cosmetic surgeon can work wonders for your nose, but optimal result does not rest on the surgeon’s hands alone. Achieving the desired outcomes from rhinoplasty is a shared effort between you and your surgeon. Getting a rhinoplasty means you are ready to take responsibility for your recovery by following necessary health guidelines.
About Author : Debra Wright is a creative and innovative blogger and online marketing specialist. She uses her wordsmith skills to share her ideas, thoughts, and tips to other people about topics that fascinate her, such as beauty and health care.
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