Fun Tourist Activities to Do in Vancouver During Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
You've come to Vancouver for cosmetic surgery. What can you do during your rhinoplasty recovery? As long as you keep your activities light and aren't shy about being seen with a cast on your nose (although, as a visitor, the chances of running into someone you know are slim), there's lots you can do to enjoy your time here as you recover. Try our top activities for tourists who are recovering from rhinoplasty, and be sure to read our post-surgery sightseeing dos and don'ts!
Surgery Day: Don't plan on doing anything on the day of your surgery. You may feel tired and groggy, and it's important that you rest in the hours following your rhinoplasty so that you can begin to recover. Lying in bed and taking it easy should make up the bulk of your plans today.
Day 1 Post-Op: Today is also a good day to take it easy. The gauze under your nose may be a bit bloody, and you may be self-conscious despite not feeling too bad. Plan on staying in your room reading or watching movies. If you're at a hotel and feel up to it, you can book yourself a quick mani-pedi at the spa.
Day 2 Post-Op: You're likely feeling much better today, so slap on a hat and head to Granville Island www.granvilleisland.com for tasty food (with many soft options, if you don't feel like eating solids just yet) and plenty of souvenirs and original artwork to take back home with you. Remember, it may be tempting to disguise yourself with sunglasses but that's a no no. Don't put any heavy sunglasses on your nose for a few weeks.
Day 3 Post-Op: Stroll along South Granville www.southgranville.org, also known as ''Gallery Row,'' for unique art pieces, home furnishings and designer clothing. This trendy street, lined with fabulous retailers and galleries, should be on every visitor's itinerary.
Day 4 Post-Op: Feel free to venture out a little further today, ensuring you stick to light strolling and avoiding any strenuous physical activity. Check out Vancouver's famous seawall www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/seawall.aspx - a scenic walking path along the city's waterfront - or visit one of these spectacular gardens:
- VanDusen Botanical Garden www.vancouver.ca/vandusen/
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/
- UBC Botanical Garden www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/
- Bloedel Conservatory www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bloedel-conservatory.aspx
Day 5 Post-Op: If you're craving a little culture (or if the weather happens to be wet), Vancouver boasts several world-class museums, art galleries and indoor exploration centres that are sure to keep you entertained, including:
- Vancouver Art Gallery www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/
- UBC Museum of Anthropology www.moa.ubc.ca/
- Museum of Vancouver www.museumofvancouver.ca/
- Vancouver Maritime Museum www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
- Science World www.scienceworld.ca/
- H.R. MacMillan Space Centre http://www.spacecentre.ca/
Day 6 Post-Op: With nearly a week of recovery under your belt, you may be feeling well enough to explore one of Vancouver's most famous attractions: Stanley Park www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx. This 400-hectare rainforest is located just steps from downtown and boasts a wide range of experiences, including wooded trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats and natural, cultural and historical landmarks.
Day 7 Post-Op: Feeling particularly adventurous today? Ride the SeaBus /www.tripplanning.translink.ca/hiwire?.a=iScheduleLookupSearch&LineName=998&LineAbbr=998> to the North Shore to see several spectacular attractions:
- Lonsdale Quay Market www.lonsdalequay.com/
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park www.capbridge.com/
- Grouse Grind www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind (take the tram up rather than walking; you can leave the hike for a future visit)
Cast-Removal Day: Celebrate by doing some shopping along West 4th Avenue www.shopwest4th.com/ and treating yourself to a delicious dinner at the end of the day!
Post-Surgery Sightseeing Dos & Don'ts:
- DO take a cellphone and your surgeon's number with you, in case of an emergency.
- DO carry your medications/painkillers, Polysporin, Q-tips and gauze in your bag.
- DO keep your physical activities light during the first week of recovery.
- DON'T wear sunglasses that will put pressure on your bridge.
- DON'T visit remote areas where you can't get help if you need it.
- DON'T venture out in the rain and risk getting your cast wet.
- DON'T expose your face to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
The friendly and supportive staff at 8 West Cosmetic Surgery is more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your rhinoplasty and recovery.
