So you’re getting a nose job for Christmas
Congratulations. You’ve decided to go for an rhinoplasty operation that can boost your attractiveness, self-confidence and general outlook on life. You’ll be relieved to know that about ninety percent of those who get it are pleased with the results, and only about one in thirty need revision. By now you should already have an idea of what your new nose is going to look like once it’s fully healed (which won’t be for a few months.)
What to do right now
If you smoke, vape or chew nicotine gum, stop today and don’t start again for a few months. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes the blood vessels to constrict. This slows the healing process, which will take long enough as it is. For similar reasons, now is also the best time to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E or herbal supplements that thin the blood. Tell your surgeon about the medications you already take, and ask him or her if there are any medications you should be taking right now. Before surgery, you should stock up on lip balm and beverages, cut back on salt, and make sure you have someone to drive you home afterward.
One of the advantages of having the surgery done at this time of year is that you’ll have the holidays to stay home and recover (while staying indoors and out of whatever weather gets sent Charlotte’s way by the next polar vortex). While you’re at it, keep your lips and mouth moisturized — this is why you bought all that lip balm and beverages, because you’ll be breathing through your mouth for a while and the air does get very dry in winter.
Don’t blow your nose. This will mean keeping your distance from other people and washing your hands often, so you don’t catch a cold or the flu. Also, don’t do any heavy exercise that might raise the blood pressure in your head. Try to keep your head elevated above your heart.
In the summer, the best advice would be to stay out of the sun, since you’re more vulnerable to sunburn. Right now, the best advice is to stay out of the cold — your nose is already numb, which makes it more vulnerable to frostbite. Also, don’t wear pullover garments that put pressure on your nose while being put on or taken off. (Now you have an excuse not to wear those horrible sweaters you got for Christmas.)
Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon
Dr. Sean Freeman is Charlotte’s top rhinoplasty surgeon, certified by two different surgery boards. He has done only facial plastic surgery, including nose jobs, since 1988. Many of his patients have already gotten nose jobs from other surgeons and come to him for revision rhinoplasty to make them better. If you live in or near Charlotte and want a nose job, schedule your appointment or online consultation today.
Contact Dr. Sean Freeman at Only Faces, Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and top facial plastic surgeon, to schedule a consultation to find out what procedure is right for you. Call today.