Pre-Rhinoplasty Checklist

You could say that when it comes to rhinoplasty, it’s the little details that make a big difference. A surgeon who is experienced in performing the procedure will be able to manipulate the delicate tissue of the nose to improve the way it looks and in some cases, the way it functions. Choosing the right surgeon for your rhinoplasty is just the first detail you want to think about before the surgery. Making a list and checking things off as you get ready will help you enjoy a comfortable recovery after the procedure.

Stock Your Fridge and Pantry

Although you might not feel like eating the minute you get home after your rhinoplasty, having a well-stocked pantry and refrigerator can help put you at ease. You might want to stock up on soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding or Jello, a few days before your procedure, so that you have something to eat when you’re still feeling a bit numb from the anesthesia. Bland foods such as saltines or vanilla wafers can help you cope with any feelings of nausea you have right after surgery.

If you’re usually the person who does the cooking at home, you have a few options for meals after surgery. You can stock up on frozen meals and eat those for the first week or so, until you feel well enough to cook. Or, you can pre-make a few of your favorite meals, such as macaroni and cheese or lasagna, divide them up into single-serve portions, and freeze, so that you have a home-cooked meal ready to go.

When deciding what foods to stock up on for after your surgery, think of foods that are healthy, but easy to chew and eat. Eggs can be a great way to get protein in the first few days after surgery, as they are soft. Fruits are also usually a good pick, as are soft vegetables.

Make Arrangements for a Pet or Babysitter

Although taking your dog for a walk can be a great way to be somewhat active a week or so after your rhinoplasty, during those first few days, you’ll probably want to outsource the task of walking him to someone else. Hire a pet-sitter, if needed, or have one of your older children take the responsibility for several days.

If you have younger kids, you might want to hire a babysitter to keep an eye on them while you rest or to help out with homework after school or even with getting the kids fed.

Tidy Up Your Home

It’s usually helpful to take care of all the little household chores a day or so before your surgery. For example, give your bathroom a cleaning, vacuum your rugs or mop the floors, and wash and put away any dishes. That way, you have a baseline level of clean at your home before you have surgery. You won’t have to worry about dishes languishing the sink or dirt piling up on the carpet.

Doing the laundry is also helpful before your rhinoplasty, so that your drawers are full of plenty of clean underwear and socks. Although laundry is a pretty light chore, you probably won’t want to have to think about it during your recovery after surgery.

Stock Your Medicine Cabinet

Before your rhinoplasty or nasal surgery, it can be helpful to ask your surgeon to write out the prescriptions for any medication you’ll take afterwards. That way, you can head to the pharmacy and fill the prescriptions, before you have the surgery, and you won’t have to worry about it afterwards.

Along with filling any prescriptions, it’s also a good idea to stock your medicine cabinet and first aid kit in advance, so that you’re ready for whatever your recovery brings. Stock up on gauze and other bandages or dressings, get any supplements your surgeon recommends, and replace your aspirin or ibuprofen with acetaminophen.

Figure Out Your Entertainment Options

With a bit of planning, recovery after nasal surgery can actually be a bit fun. Plan your entertainment options before the surgery, so that you aren’t stuck watching reruns of an old sitcom for hours on end afterwards. For example, you might want to make a list of the programs you want to watch on Netflix, head to the library to stock up on books or audiobooks, or purchase plenty of crossword puzzle books or even coloring books and markers.

Dr. Andrew Frankel, a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, has decades of experience performing rhinoplasty and has developed a reputation for excellence. He can guide you through to process of preparing for rhinoplasty and will help you have the best results possible. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Frankel, call (310) 552-2173 today.