A nose job, otherwise known as a rhinoplasty, is a commonly chosen option for people who have never been satisfied with the shape of their nose, dislike the way it looks after recent injuries or changes, or simply wish to enhance their natural features. Dr. Greco agrees that altering the appearance of this central feature of the face can improve overall facial balance and harmony. Prior to their nose job, it’s common and completely normal for many patients to feel nervous or overwhelmed, partially due to fear of the unknown—but there are some ways to reduce the pre-surgery jitters and stress. Preparing beforehand for your rhinoplasty in the Philadelphia area or elsewhere can also help to ensure that the procedure goes well, and you are able to heal uneventfully.  

Some patients are fearful about what the end result of the rhinoplasty may look like. One of the best ways of calming your worries (or any form of surgical anxiety) can be doing as much research as you can beforehand to gather information. Do your homework to learn what to expect during each step involved prior to, during, and after a rhinoplasty to put your mind at ease. Also, Dr. Greco utilizes video imaging which is extremely helpful. As a patient, you get the opportunity to see what you’ll look like before your surgery which can be very comforting.  

Schedule a comprehensive consultation, and be sure to ask lots of questions. You may want to interview multiple surgeons before deciding on one who is the most suitable choice for you. Rhinoplasty is a very complex procedure, so to maximize your safety, choose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified, who is highly experienced in facial plastic surgery, and who routinely performs nose surgeries. Dr. Greco is double board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology; Head and Neck Surgery (ENT.) Building trust in the medical team taking care of you can make you feel better about the procedure.  

Another aspect of plastic surgery that many patients worry about is anesthesia. To mitigate this concern as much as possible, learn about the type of anesthesia your surgeon’s team prefers to use for the operation. Anesthesia is used to prolong the comfort of the patient during surgery while reducing their anxiety and keeping them relaxed. Twilight anesthesia causes the patient to fall into a relaxed state during surgery and not remember anything afterward, while local anesthesia blocks any sensation in one specific area. In most cases, surgeons prefer to use twilight anesthesia for nose jobs.  

During your first consultation, your doctor will recommend that you have a blood tests as part of the preparation process to assess your general health and ensure that you are physically prepared for surgery. Your plastic surgeon may examine the skin and structure of the nose. Surgeons usually recommend that you quit smoking for two weeks before and after the day of surgery. This is because the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can have a negative effect on anesthesia and lead to other adverse reactions, as well as make it more challenging for your body to heal after a procedure. Ensure that your surgeon is aware of your medical history, especially any factors that could influence the success of the surgery.  

Patients may also be required to quit taking or change how they take certain medications, such as aspirin, which increases the risk of bleeding, but only in consultation with a primary care physician. Anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal supplements should also be avoided. Planning in advance can make your experience better, so be sure to have your home in order, and make arrangements for work and childcare if you need to. Because anesthesia is involved for the first 24 to 48 hours, you may be disoriented and a little forgetful. It makes sense to make plans and organize beforehand so that a friend or loved one can drive you home and stay over to help for a few days.  

For more information on what to do before and after a nose job, talk to double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Greco and the team at Timothy M. Greco, MD, PC in the Philadelphia area. Call (610) 664-8830 or send a message online.