We restore, rebuild, and make whole those parts that nature has given but which fortune and time have taken away, not only that it may delight the eye but that it might buoy up the spirit, and enhance the psyche.

Gaspare Tagliacozzi (1545-1599)
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Rhinoplasty

 

Postoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Nasal Surgery

  1. Getting home and postoperative supervision.
    It is extremely hazardous to drive after general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
  2. Activity for the first 24 hours.
    The effects of anesthesia can remain in your body as long as 24 hours. After surgery, you must plan to rest for 24 hours. Avoid straining and stooping.
  3. Sleeping position. Ice packs and compresses.
    Sleeping with the head elevated on two pillows will decrease the amount of bruising and swelling. You should keep ice packs on your eyes for 48 hours, except while sleeping, to help reduce
    bruising and swelling. Ice packs may consist of crushed ice in a rubber glove or alternating bags of frozen peas from the freezer.
  4. Diet.
    After surgery you may take liquids such as soup, tea, soft drinks, or Jell-O. Gradually progress to a soft diet and then a regular diet over the next 24 hours as tolerated.
  5. Medications, herbal supplements, vitamins and alcohol.
    Fill your prescriptions and take your post-operative medications as directed. If you should become nauseated or develop a rash, call the office. You may resume your regular medications
    unless Dr. Boyd directs otherwise. However, avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products for two weeks before and after surgery. Remember, many herbal supplements adversely affect the
    clotting process and actively cause bruising and bleeding. These should be stopped two weeks before surgery and may be resumed two weeks afterwards. Avoid alcohol until post-operative
    medications are finished. Dr. Boyd does not recommend taking megadoses of vitamins in excess of the normal daily requirement (which is more than adequately met by a normal balanced diet).
    Please discontinue this form of medication for two weeks before and after surgery unless you are being treated for a specific deficiency. One multivitamin tablet per day is permissible, however.
  6. Dressings.
    You may have nasal packing in your nose for 24-48 hours after surgery. You will be instructed on how to take care of it. The small white dressing under your nose may require frequent changing
    during the first 24-48 hours. This dressing may be removed when drainage ceases. You will be given instructions and supplies before you go home. Your nasal splint will be removed in one week.
    Do not get it wet or allow anyone except a member of our staff to remove it.
  7. Wound care, shampooing, showering.
    After the splint is removed, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Use Q-tips soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide (�full strength�) to clean any crusts from around the nostrils. Do not insert the
    Q-tips into the nose, however.
  8. Activity after the first 24 hours (including driving).
    Avoid strenuous activity for two weeks after surgery. However, walking is encouraged. Do not drive for one week and never drive while taking pain medication. You may wear makeup after
    checking with Dr. Boyd.
  9. Things to avoid. (See 2 and 5 also)
    DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE until given permission by Doctor Boyd. It is vital that you do not smoke after surgery to avoid respiratory and wound healing complications. Avoid sun exposure and
    wear sunscreen over the suture line when it cannot be avoided.
  10. Bruising, swelling and other normal events.
    It is normal to have swelling and numbness, which will subside over several weeks to months. Bruising should disappear in 10 to 14 days. It will take several weeks before you can see the
    final result. If you have unusual or severe pain or swelling, bleeding from the dressing or any other concerns, do not hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Boyd. Someone in the office will
    call you the day after surgery to check on your condition and answer any questions you might have. You can reach Dr. Boyd or a staff member around the clock by calling (310) 530-4200.

These instructions are not intended to cover every possible problem that could arise. Good judgment on your part is essential for a good result.