Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty Post-Operative

Activity

  • No bending, lifting, or vigorous activity for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid straining activities which bring pressure to the head area.
  • Refrain from any activity which may cause a blow to the nose for 1-2 months.

Care of the Nose

  • Keep the plaster splint dry.
  • Do not attempt to clean the inside of the nose with a Q-tip or any other material.
  • Refrain from blowing your nose or sneezing if possible for 2 weeks.
  • Use the "snuffer" for comfort and drainage.
  • Keep head elevated when resting, and sleep with 2 pillows.
  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to increase air moisture.
  • Use vaseline or cold cream around the outside of the nares.

Bathing

  • You may bathe or shower the next day. Remember to keep the nose area dry.

Diet

  • Have a light meal the evening after surgery.
  • You may eat regular food as soon as it is tolerated.

Pain

  • The maximum discomfort will occur the first couple of days after surgery. You may experience some headaches. Take the pain medication as prescribed. You will probably have some discomfort related to inability to breathe through your nose. Drink plenty of liquids and keep your lips moist with vaseline, lip balm, etc.

Appearance

  • Bruising and swelling is to be expected.
  • You may have slightly more swelling in the mornings.
  • Most noticeable swelling will subside in about 2 weeks.
  • You may expect minimal swelling of your nose for several months.

When to Call the Doctor

  • If you have any extreme swelling or bruising.
  • If you have persistent pain not relieved by the medication.
  • Elevated temperature over 100.4¡F orally.
  • Bleeding that has not subsided after 20 minutes of applying gentle pressure to side of nose
  • while sitting in an upright position with head bent forward. (Oozing can be expected.)

Follow-Up Care

  • Nasal packing will be removed the day following surgery.
  • The plaster splint will be removed approximately 1 week after surgery.
  • The plastic splints inside of the nose will be removed approximately 2 weeks after surgery.

For medical questions, please call:

  • Craniofacial Anomalies Program: (734) 764-2582.
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic: 8 AM-5 PM (734) 763-8063
  • After hours and on weekends, call Hospital Paging at (734) 936-6267 and ask for the Plastic Surgeon on call.