Rhinoplasty, known colloquially as a nose job, is a versatile procedure proudly offered at Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO. It is usually used to address asymmetry and other cosmetic concerns, but it can improve medical conditions, too. In this comprehensive guide, we’re looking at everything you need to know about this procedure, including what preparation steps are required and what to expect after surgery. Let’s get started.

How Do You Prepare for a Rhinoplasty?  

There are many important guidelines you will need to follow before undergoing rhinoplasty. The most important preparation step you will need to take is to consult with a qualified surgeon to verify that this procedure is a good fit for you. During this consultation, Dr. Murphy will advise you on all of the rules you will need to follow before surgery. To be considered a good candidate for this procedure, your vitals will need to be normal, so you’ll need to avoid smoking.

Additionally, you will not be able to consume any alcoholic beverages for two weeks prior to surgery. Furthermore, depending on the scope of your procedure, you may need to fast for eight hours before surgery and dry fast for two hours prior to your operation. It is also important that you protect your skin from irritation, like sunburn, before your procedure. Moreover, you should prepare a recovery room in your home to help your recovery go more smoothly.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure? 

If you are fairly healthy, you will most likely qualify for this procedure if you feel self-conscious about asymmetry or divots on the bridge of your nose. Similarly, this procedure may be appropriate if you want to alter the size of your nose to make it more proportionate with other facial features.

Moreover, rhinoplasty may be a good fit for you if you are displeased by the tip of your nose or if you want to alter the width of your nasal bridge or reposition your nostrils. There is also a chance that you will be considered a good nose job candidate if you have breathing difficulties due to the structure of your nose.

Who Is a Poor Candidate for Surgery? 

To reiterate, you will probably qualify for surgery if you are in good overall health and worried about the appearance or functionality of your nose. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are several contraindications for this procedure. For example, you will not qualify if you have heart problems and must take daily blood thinners. Additionally, this procedure is not recommended for people with a history of slow wound healing or keloid scarring.

Furthermore, you may be considered a poor candidate for surgery if you are a smoker. Remember, you will need to avoid smoking before surgery. Additionally, you will not be able to smoke during the first two weeks following surgery. If you can’t adhere to these guidelines, you won’t qualify. You also will not be able to undergo rhinoplasty if you are sick at the time of your procedure.

How Long Will the Results of My Procedure Last? 

You can generally expect your rhinoplasty results to last a lifetime. However, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to note that the effects of the natural aging process can affect the appearance of your nose over time. Second, it’s worth mentioning that you may need a follow-up procedure if your nose sustains significant trauma in the future.

How Will I Need To Care for Myself After Surgery? 

After your nose job, there are several aftercare guidelines you will need to follow to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. For example, you will need to take all medications you are prescribed as directed. It is crucial that you take a full course of antibiotics to mitigate the risk of developing an infection. If you get a bacterial infection, your recovery will take longer than necessary. It is also important that you do not exceed the recommended dose of analgesics.

Another important aftercare guideline you will need to follow is to avoid the consumption of harmful substances, like alcohol and tobacco products, for two weeks after surgery. Additionally, you will need to make sure that you mind your diet carefully. Furthermore, it is essential that you do not engage in any vigorous physical activity for several weeks after your procedure. Moreover, you need to get as much rest as possible.

How Long Will My Recovery Take? 

Depending on the scope of your procedure, your recovery may take anywhere from six to 13 months to complete. If cartilage is not harvested from an area of your body, like your ear or ribcage, it may take around six months to make a full recovery. Your full recovery may take 11 to 13 months if you get cartilage grafting and transplantation during your procedure. The technique used also affects the recovery timeline; closed nose jobs tend to heal faster.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Recover Faster? 

To recover from surgery as quickly as possible, you need to follow all aftercare guidelines. We’ve already touched on several important aftercare guidelines to follow. However, there are others. For example, it is essential that you drink at least six cups of hydrating fluids per day during your recovery. Furthermore, it is essential that you eat lots of water-dense, nutrient-rich foods. Each meal should include an ample amount of protein and vitamin C.

Another effective step you can take to help yourself recover faster is to walk once you feel up to it. For the first one to three days post-op, you may be too tired to even get mild exercise in. However, once you are feeling rested enough, you should try to get 30 minutes of light cardio daily. At first, you may only be able to walk for brief periods of time. If you don’t feel up to a full half-hour workout, try to get 30 minutes of cumulative exercise each day.

How Much Sleep Should I Get During My Recovery? 

You should aim to get nine hours of sleep each night. Ideally, you should sleep soundly throughout the night. If you wake up, once you fall back asleep, you will enter the first stage of the sleep cycle regardless of what stage you were in when you awoke. This is not optimal because it is during the final stage of the sleep cycle that most of your skin’s healing occurs.

Note that you will not be able to sleep on your stomach or sleep laterally during the first several weeks of your recovery. You must sleep on your back with your head elevated by at least two pillows. If you don’t usually sleep on your back, you may want to try sleeping on your back for a few nights before surgery. You may find that you need a firm mattress cover or a third pillow to help support your spine and keep it aligned.

Will I Be Able To Wear Glasses While I Recover? 

You will be able to wear glasses during the earliest stages of your recovery. The bridge of your nose will be protected from the weight of your frames by the splint we will put in place after your procedure. Once the splint is removed, though, you shouldn’t wear glasses until your nose has recovered sufficiently. If you need glasses during the day, you should talk to your eye doctor about getting prescription contacts or getting special frames that won’t damage your nose.

If you only need reading glasses, it is a good idea to listen to an audiobook rather than wearing reading glasses. Alternatively, you may want to read a book with large text on your phone or another electronic device. You will attend several follow-up appointments after your procedure so we can assess your recovery progress. We will advise you when you have healed enough that wearing glasses is safe again.

Schedule a Consultation Near Denver, CO Today

Before undergoing a nose job, you will need to avoid the consumption of blood thinners, anticoagulants, tobacco products, and alcohol. Additionally, you will need to be hydrated and well-nourished at the time of your procedure. If you are in the Denver, CO area and want to learn more about this procedure, schedule a consultation with us now at Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO. We’ll see you soon.