Rhinoplasty: Special Considerations for Students
Trying to balance your nose job with a busy study schedule? You're not alone. Many of our rhinoplasty patients are high school and university students who plan to undergo surgery during a school break. The following tips can help you get the timing just right!
Plan ahead
Consider when you wish to have surgery and schedule various aspects of the process accordingly. For instance, if you only have a small window of time (say, two weeks over spring break), don't wait until the last minute to book your consultation. The earlier you meet with your surgeon the better your odds of getting the surgery dates you want (i.e., at the very beginning of your break, to allow for ample recovery time before you have to go back to school).
Consider your recovery time
Most rhinoplasty patients take one to two weeks to recover from the procedure. Any less time and you may not feel fully comfortable returning to ''normal'' life, since you may still need time to heal.
In general, expect some swelling and, perhaps, bruising around your nose and eyes one week past surgery. The obvious signs of rhinoplasty will most likely be gone two weeks after your procedure, though some residual swelling may be present.
It may help to break your recovery time into ''chunks,'' so you can plan accordingly. During the first week, plan to take it really easy; don't schedule any school-related activities outside your home, though you'll likely be able to study without issue. If you wish, you can go back to school after a week; though you haven't fully recovered yet, the most obvious signs of surgery will be gone. At the three-week mark, most rhinoplasty patients feel comfortable returning to all their normal activities, like attending lectures and even working out at the gym. However, you'll want to avoid any extra-curricular activities that may compromise your surgical results (i.e., contact sports).
Get your story straight
A good thing to think about ahead of time is what you plan to tell your friends, family and schoolmates. Will you be honest about your rhinoplasty, or would telling them a believable story to explain your absence make you feel more comfortable? Remember, cosmetic surgery is a personal choice, and what you decide to share (or not share) about the experience is totally up to you.
Contact us today
Dr. Buonassisi's team is well aware of the time constrains of students. If there's a specific week or day that you need to have surgery, the best thing to do is let us know as soon as possible. Contact one of our patient care experts today, who will be able to help identify whether surgery is right for you and discuss possible surgery dates. When it comes to planning our surgery schedule, the more we know, the better we can accommodate your needs.
