Once the choice for a rhinoplasty surgeon has been made, optimizing the results and avoiding a bad outcome requires careful review of pre and postopertive instructions. Medications to avoid, aka “bad rhinoplasty medicines,” would be those which can thin the blood. Examples of bad medicines include, Advil, Alleve and other medications which are blood thinners. Other medications which are in the bad category would be some medications used for migraines and other blood thinners such as Plavix. It is not just medicines which are considered bad. The patient should also review any other herbal supplements he or she takes. Dr. Anil Shah recommends avoiding herbal supplements which can lead to blood thinning which includes the G’s such as garlic, ginger, ginko biloba, ginseng and glucosamine. Take a moment to review the list of medications carefully- you might not even realize that some potentially bad ingredients lurk in your vitamins or tea!
“While many of us do not think of any over the counter medications as having a potential bad outcome, they can make it more difficult for the anesthesiologist and can substantially thin the blood.” states Dr. Anil Shah a clinical instructor at the University of Chicago.
Patients should also thoroughly review postoperative and preoperative instructions in regard to cleaning the incision, how to ice, and even how to sleep and what to eat. Dr. Shah has created videos on his website for patients to review, which allow patients to see how to clean incisions, apply ice, etc. Dr. Shah and his office will review the instructions and closely follow up with the patient to ensure that it is completely understood. Following and reviewing all of the instructions carefully is the best way to avoid bad side effects and have a smooth recovery!
If a picture is worth a 1000 words, than a video must be worth even more. Videos allow patients the ability to review and comprehend the exact protocol demanded by the postoperative care and which is critical in rhinoplasty. The dedication to patients who have rhinoplasty is something that a doctor and his office must embrace, as the healing process is unique.
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