Preparing for a Rhinoplasty in Washington DC

Many people are understandably nervous about getting plastic surgery for the first time. At Somenek+Pittman MD, we do everything we can to prepare you for a rhinoplasty in Washington DC and make sure you have everything you need so you are not caught off-guard later. Before we get to work, experienced facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek consults with you about the pre-op and post-op processes in detail.

How Patients Should Prepare

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle leading up to a rhinoplasty is one way of optimizing a postsurgical recovery. It is highly recommended that a patient stop taking any Advil, aspirin, or Motrin products about 10 days prior to their surgery. If they are on blood thinners, they will have to stop taking those prior to their surgical procedure as well. Dr. Somenek also prefers that his patients do not have a history of smoking, since that can prolong the swelling and increase the recovery time. He may also ask them to take Arnica or bromelain supplements, which can reduce or minimize their overall risk of bruising. Beyond these medical choices, patients do not have to do anything else to prepare for a rhinoplasty in Washington DC.

What if I Have Allergies Before my Rhinoplasty?

Some patients might have allergies which could flare up right before their rhinoplasty and cause problems. Dr. Somenek will usually have them take antihistamines or topical nasal sprays that have a corticosteroid in them to help reduce the inflammation.

Expectations for Surgical Day

On the day of the operation, patients should arrive slightly early to the surgical center so that they can get changed and prepared for the procedure. They will meet with Dr. Somenek again to discuss any last-minute concerns or questions. Once the surgery is completed, they will go to the postoperative recovery area where one of our exceptional nurses will monitor their vital signs and make sure they wake up from the anesthesia in an expeditious manner.

The nurse will also be in contact with the patient’s family throughout that time, updating them on the progress, and also letting them know when the patient is ready to be picked up. Once the patient is ready to leave, our nursing team will escort them down to their chaperone and directly to the car.

How Long Does Nasal Surgery Take?

The length of the procedure will ultimately depend on which kind of rhinoplasty the patient is getting, and the specific techniques used. A revision rhinoplasty may also take some extra time. On average, the procedure ranges from two to four hours, unless an additional surgery is scheduled simultaneously, such as a facelift.

Important Items to Have at Home

Preparing for a rhinoplasty in DC also means preparing for the recovery period. It is important for all patients to have their prescription drugs readily available before surgical day, so we make sure that they are already filled and picked up by the time of the surgery. For rhinoplasty patients in particular, it may be handy to have an airplane neck pillow during recovery because it acts as extra support when sitting upright on the couch or in bed.

When we provide post-op care instructions, we recommend that patients have some peroxide, Q-tips, and Neosporin on hand in order to clean the nose throughout their first week.

Talk to a DC Plastic Surgeon About Preparing for a Rhinoplasty

The best way to make sure your procedure and the recovery process go smoothly is to be properly prepared ahead of time. We will provide all of the necessary information so that you can refrain from taking certain medications and acquire any useful products that will aid in the healing process. Schedule a consultation with us and learn how you should prepare for a rhinoplasty in Washington DC.