Like any other surgical recovery, rhinoplasty recovery takes time. Allowing the body to recover after the trauma of any surgical procedure is important, but there are some things you can do to ease the effects of surgery, both before the procedure and during rhinoplasty recovery. The most important thing you can do is to follow the advice given to you by the surgeon, from fasting the night before surgery to keeping post-op appointments for evaluation.

Pre-Surgery
At your consultation, the surgeon will take into account key parts of your medical history. You will also be required to undergo a physical examination to ensure that any health risks are ruled out. The eyes, ears, nose and throat will be checked extra carefully, as will the heart and lungs.

The doctor will also want to know what medications you are currently on to ensure that there will be no negative side effects, whether from surgery complications, anesthesia or post-op pain medications. He may recommend that you start taking vitamins, especially vitamin C, several weeks before the surgery. Vitamin C is a key part of the body’s ability to heal and keep swelling down.

There are things you can do to make sure your body is as strong and healthy as it can be to prepare for a nose job and rhinoplasty recovery. Stop smoking, at least for the three weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking will slow down the healing process and may cause irritation or infection at or near the incision. Get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the surgery, as a rested body will heal faster. Drink plenty of water, as well-hydrated skin is more elastic and will cause the incision to heal more cleanly and quickly.

Prepare for your post surgery needs by getting everything set up so that you won’t need to spend much time or energy doing unnecessary things. Make sure the housecleaning and grocery shopping are done, make arrangements for a caretaker to either stay with you or check in on you and prepare a place where you can sleep with your head raised.

Post Surgery
Ease the after effects of rhinoplasty surgery by following the doctor’s orders on recovery. Make sure you have at least two weeks off from work or other time commitments; three weeks is recommended. Don’t engage in any physical activity for at least two weeks and don’t bend over lower than waist level to ensure the rhinoplasty recovery stays on track.

Stay away from certain medications, herbs and foods that may slow down healing. On the list of things to avoid are alcohol, aspirin and other blood thinners, vitamin E supplements, diet pills and several natural herbal supplements.