Going under the knife can be daunting in and of itself, without even thinking about the possibility of a botched outcome. Consultations, preparation and racing thoughts are enough to set anyone into a state of worry. And with your nose being the center point of your face, caution is key to making sure you obtain a satisfying rhinoplasty result. Below are five tips that can ensure your post-op results are maximized.

1. Remember that you’re putting your facial structure in the hands of someone else, so find a surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable with. Although rhinoplasty surgery is based on science, it is still very much an art form, meaning that no two surgeons will perform the surgery the same way. Therefore, the surgeon you choose will greatly determine your results, according to Haute Beauty Expert and Plastic Surgeon Dr. Barry Weintraub.

2. Many plastic surgeons have face-altering technologies that can change your nose to how they presume it will appear after surgery. However, this program is not 100% accurate. There are a lot of factors that will affect the outcome of your new nose, especially in the post-operative stage, so it’s important to keep this in mind during your consultations.

3. Do your research ahead of time. Swelling and pain levels are different for every patient coming out of surgery, so make sure that you’re aware of how you can minimize these side effects. Ask your surgeon exactly what you can expect after the operation. You may need to ice your eyes frequently and take medication to help cope with the pain. Many rhinoplasty patients feel very little discomfort, Weintraub said. But still, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

4. Take your recovery seriously, as the first few weeks will greatly affect the final outcome. Avoid salty foods and crying, as these can create inflammation in your nose, specifically at the tip. Keep your head upright as much as possible, and ask your doctor about his or her opinions on the most effective sleeping position.

5. Even after you think your nose has healed, act with caution. Your nose can take up to a year to fully heal from surgery, so talk to your surgeon about the best ways to continue your recovery process. Applying sunscreen regularly is especially important because without it, scar tissue can develop, which may change the shape of your nose entirely, Weintraub said.