ENT professor and facial surgeon, Professor Fuat Buyuklu, commonly referred to as Dr. Fu, has been practicing personalized rhinoplasty procedures for the past 25 years. Dr. Fu and his experienced team are dedicated to delivering natural and transformative results while providing the highest standard of care. Detailed information about his services can be found on his website, www.drfu.co.uk, and his official Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/prof.dr.fuat.buyuklu/. On his Instagram, Dr. Fu has shared 10 instructions for patients to follow before undergoing a rhinoplasty surgery.
The first instruction advises patients to allocate enough time for the surgery. It is crucial to thoroughly research and consult with multiple qualified surgeons to ensure that the expectations align with the surgeon’s capabilities. Emotionally turbulent times, such as after a breakup or during family issues, should be avoided when making the decision for surgery. A low-key recovery period of 2-3 weeks should also be reserved after the surgery.
The second instruction focuses on bruising and swelling, which are common after rhinoplasty. These can vary significantly from person to person and are typically at their peak on the second and third days post-surgery. To minimize bruising and swelling, patients should keep their head elevated, apply ice regularly, and restrict physical activity. It is also crucial to avoid activities that raise heart rate or blood pressure, as well as salty foods that could increase blood pressure. Creams and vitamins may also be prescribed to reduce bruising more quickly.
The third instruction explains the timeline for the nose to take its final shape. Factors such as age, skin type, and the extent of the surgery can affect post-operative swelling and recovery. A significant amount of swelling will reduce within the first two weeks, with remaining swelling going down over the first two months. The bones will mend over 3-3.5 months, with the first two months being particularly delicate. Full stabilization of the nose can take 1-1.5 years, depending on skin thickness. Patients with thinner skin may experience a shorter recovery time.
The fourth instruction addresses when patients can resume exercising. The first four weeks post-surgery are crucial for healing, and patients should avoid sports and activities that raise their heart rate and blood pressure. Light walking is recommended during this period, and patients can resume mild to moderate individual exercises after one month. It is recommended to wait at least two months before engaging in heavy exercise and six months for team sports.
The fifth instruction covers what to expect in the early post-operative period. Patients may experience mild discomfort or slight pain due to swelling, and there may be blood leaks, clots, and silicone splints internally. Cold or ice application and painkillers can ease this period. Patients will also have plaster, stitches, thermoplastic splints, and nasal silicone splints that may make breathing through the nose uncomfortable until they are removed after a week. It is normal to have bloody leaks from the tip of the nose in the first few days, and patients should continue applying ice for 48 hours.
The sixth instruction discusses precautions in the early post-operative period. Patients should keep their head above heart level to help reduce swelling, and it is recommended to sleep on their back and avoid sleeping face down on their nose. If patients are prone to sleeping on their stomach, a hat with a protruding brim or a neck brace can serve as a reminder. It is also recommended to continue using cold and ice for their local anesthetic effects. Patients should also prevent lip cracking by using lip balm and keeping a bottle of water handy. Brushing teeth with bicarbonate toothpaste and using antiseptic mouthwashes may also be necessary.
The seventh instruction focuses on wound care. Patients should clean the stitches at the tip of the nose with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide multiple times a day to remove blood, clots, and dried secretions. After cleaning, patients can apply antibiotic ointment, such as Bactroban. Proper wound care is crucial for post-operative recovery, and after the removal of silicone tampons, ample nasal irrigation is advised. Saline or specially prepared rinsing solutions can be used to soften and facilitate the removal of internal clots and secretions.
The eighth instruction explains what happens at the first post-surgery checkup, which typically takes place on the 7th or 8th day post-surgery. During this checkup, the external
silicone splints, plaster, and stitches will be removed. The internal silicone tampons will also be removed, and nasal irrigation will be performed. If necessary, adjustments will be made, and patients will receive further instructions for post-operative care.
Dr. Fu offers free online consultations through his website, www.drfu.co.uk. Patients can book their consultation today to learn more about personalized rhinoplasty procedures and have their questions answered by Dr
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