If you're scheduled for rhinoplasty, now's the time to start planning for the recovery. The last thing you want to do is wait until the last minute. Your doctor will provide you with a list of post-operative instructions, but there are still some things that you'll need to know to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery period. Here are four tips you should follow that will help you during your recovery from rhinoplasty.

1. Take Care of Pressing Matters Prior to Surgery

When you come home from the hospital, you're not going to feel like yourself for a few days. You're not going to feel like going out and taking care of your day-to-day activities. To make sure you have a stress-free recovery, be sure to take care of pressing matters before surgery. This includes paying any bills that might come due during your recovery period, stocking your home up on groceries, and ensuring that you have everything you'll need for those first few days after surgery.

2. Watch Your Blood Pressure During Recovery

After surgery, you'll need to keep the bleeding under control. You might not realize this, but an elevated blood pressure can increase your chances of developing post-operative bleeding. While some bleeding is expected right after surgery, increased bleeding during the recovery period – and beyond – is not. To avoid bleeding issues related to your blood pressure, be sure to monitor it at several times a day. If you notice your blood pressure increasing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

3. Don't Delay Your At-Home Pain Management

When you leave the hospital, your doctor will provide you with a prescription for pain medication and an antibiotic. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed. When it comes to your pain medication, don't delay your at-home pain management. You may be tempted to wait as long as possible before taking your pain medication. However, that's a good way for the pain to get away from you, which will make it more difficult for your medication to work properly. Instead, take your medication as soon as you get home from the hospital, and then follow the instructions on your prescription bottle.

4. Surround Yourself with Relaxation and Comfort

While you're recovering from rhinoplasty, you should surround yourself with relaxation and comfort. You'll have a much easier recovery period if you don't get stressed out. Be sure to have friends or family members who can come over and provide assistance during those first few days after surgery.

Contact a doctor like William M. Parell, MD, PSC for more information and assistance.