Open rhinoplasty recovery is a lengthy healing process with several stages. Keep in mind you won’t be able to perform certain tasks after your open rhinoplasty, and you will benefit greatly from making preparations well in advance. Read on to learn more from Rick Winters, NJ plastic surgeon, about what you can expect from your open rhinoplasty procedure and what can help you prepare for your recovery.
A Look at Open Rhinoplasty
In open rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as external rhinoplasty, the incision is placed on the outside of the nose. An inverted v-shaped incision, known as V-Plasty, is placed on the columella, the connective tissue between your nostrils. By making the incision in this way, your resulting scar will be nearly invisible after recovery. Once the incision is made, the skin is then pulled back so your surgeon has full access to the muscles, tissues, cartilage and bone within. Having access to the complete nasal cavity helps to ensure better results and is especially beneficial for working on the tip.
Open rhinoplasty offers many benefits for the outcome of your nose surgery, but it also has a longer recovery period than a closed rhinoplasty.
What You Will Need for Open Rhinoplasty Recovery
Before your surgery, your surgeon will give you a packet of information to help you understand the open rhinoplasty recovery process. The recovery process actually starts before surgery and will include a pre-op exam to ensure the best possible outcome.
Your doctor may also give you other directions based on the findings from your pre-op exam session, as well as information about medications and preparing for your surgery. Be sure to read the packet; your body needs to time to prepare for the procedure so that your recovery will be better after surgery.
Before Open Rhinoplasty Recovery: Prep for Your Body
Before your surgery, you should start by preparing your body. The packet from your surgeon will include a list of medications to avoid before you undergo rhinoplasty. Common medications on the list include aspirin and other medications that are blood thinners, such as ibuprofen. Certain herbal supplements, such as garlic, ginseng and Ginkgo, may also interfere with surgery and healing. If you are on prescription medications, be sure to reveal them to your doctor because you may need to alter the dosage prior to the procedure.
Avoid alcohol and stop smoking. Smoking affects the body’s ability to heal, and it may upset the results and recovery of your procedure. Start a vitamin regimen that includes C, E and iron, which all promote healing, and consider eating pineapple as well. Your plastic surgeon may also recommend other supplements that help the body heal.
Run Errands and Make Plans for Your Open Rhinoplasty Recovery
Prior to surgery, stock up on the supplies that will help you to have a successful recovery. This includes filling any prescriptions you already have and will need to resume, as well as those medications prescribed by your operating surgeon. Common medications include antibiotics, pain relievers and sleep aids.
Eating solid foods is difficult after rhinoplasty because of pain and soreness, and also because your nose will be blocked. Stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods such as soups, juices, herbal teas and Jell-O. By eating gentle foods you can avoid nausea from residual anesthesia as well as enjoy a healthy diet that will help you to recover. Choose a low sodium diet starting the day before your surgery and continuing after surgery, since salt enhances swelling.
Stock up on healing supplies such as lip balm and cold compresses. Since you will be unable to breathe through your nose, your mouth and lips will likely experience more dryness than usual. It is also recommended that you use cold compresses to reduce bruising and swelling. Having two or more compresses ensures that you always have one ready when you need it.
In addition to having prescriptions and meals on hand, you should also make plans for the days following your procedure. You will need someone to drive you home, and you should have a caretaker available for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Although most people feel much better after one week (when much of the pain has subsided), you should plan to take two weeks off from work for a more complete recovery. This will allow time for the splint to come off and for significant reduction in bruising.
Get in your strenuous workouts and heavy lifting before the procedure. Open rhinoplasty recovery means that you can’t hit the gym, lift weights or do other strenuous activities for three to four weeks after your surgery. Plan any major moves or workout beforehand to avoid risking complications during your recovery.
What to Keep in Mind for Open Rhinoplasty Recovery
After your surgery, you will have difficulty putting clothes over your head, so be sure to wear or bring a button down shirt for the ride home. Wear comfortable clothing, and if you feel tired, go ahead and nap. Sleeping helps the healing process.
Wearing glasses after surgery can be difficult because they put stress on the nose. Instead, try taping them onto your forehead or using a cushion to keep them away from your nose.
Since your road to recovery begins before surgery takes place, it is important to have your plans for open rhinoplasty recovery made before the procedure. Be sure to ask your surgeon any remaining questions, pick up any supplies you need, including medications and prescriptions, and have arrangements for transportation and companionship in place prior to your surgery. By following these tips, your recovery process will be much more comfortable.
