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1. It is possible you may have packing in your nose after surgery. This will help to control drainage and blood immediately after surgery. If you have packing in your nose, it will be taken out on your first postoperative visit.
2. You can expect drainage and some blood coming from the nostrils for the first week after surgery, particularly the first 24 hours. Change the gauze dressing under your nose every hour if necessary. After 24 hours, this dressing may be discarded.
3. It is very important to keep your nostrils clean, blood free and moist. This is done by immediately cleaning the nostrils after the gauze dressing is removed from under the nose. Clean the nostrils with a Q-tip and Vaseline, mineral oil, or even peroxide. Spray your nose regularly with Ayr or Ocean Solution and use an ultrasonic humidifier every night.
4. The splint and tape on top of your nose usually remain in place for 5 days.
5. Avoid blowing your nose for 7 days after surgery.
6. You can expect swelling and bruising to last about the eyes and nose for about one week. This can be minimized by using a washcloth or gauze sponges soaked in ice water, wrung out well and applied over eyes for the first 24 hours. Cold compress masks are also available at most drugstores.
7. Avoid exercise, bending, straining, stooping, or lifting any heavy objects for one week following surgery. Otherwise, bleeding may start from the nose.
8. It is best to rest and sleep with your head elevated on at least two pillows
9. Some numbness may be noted in the upper lip and over the tip of the nose for a period of three months.
10. It may take as long as one year for all the swelling about the nose, particularly the tip, to disappear, however, your nose will look immediately improved in appearance when the splint is removed.
11. Avoid resting heavy glasses on the nose for three weeks. Use tape to support heavy glasses from your forehead.
12. Avoid contact sports or other activities that may result in trauma to the nose for six weeks.
13. Plan to take 3 to 7 days off from work or school.
14. Patients may take showers starting the day after surgery. You may wash your hair and face as usual. However, be careful around the nasal area. Try to get the least amount of water possible on the splint. 15. Very occasionally, a secondary minor nasal operation may be indicated for additional corrections. This is never considered until one year following the initial surgery. Costs involved are handled at reduced rates. |
