Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions both BEFORE and
AFTER surgery. By following them carefully, you will assist in obtaining
the best possible result from your surgery. If questions arise, do not
hesitate to contact our office and discuss your questions with us at any time.
- Do not blow your nose until instructed. Wipe or dab your nose
gently with Kleenex, if necessary. If you need to sneeze, do so
with your mouth open to prevent build up of pressure within your nose.
- Change any dressing under your nose until drainage stops. You may
gently apply an antibiotic ointment to your nostril area
once or twice daily, using clean cotton swabs.
- If you have a nasal cast, it will remain in place for approximately one week
and will be removed in the clinic. Do not disturb it; KEEP IT DRY.
- Avoid foods that require prolonged chewing, and minimize your salt
intake for four weeks after surgery. Foods with salt tend
to increase the amount of nasal swelling.
- Avoid extreme physical activity for one month. Obtain more rest than you usually
get and avoid exertion. Sleep with your head elevated for one month. Do not
bend over for one month.
- Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation
of the upper lip to keep nose at rest.
- Avoid excess or prolonged telephone conversations and social
activities for the first week.
- You may wash your face, but be careful to avoid the dressing.
Try to take lukewarm TUB BATHS until the dressings are removed.
- Avoid smiling, grinning and excessive facial movements for
one week.
- Do not wash your hair for one week unless you have someone to do
it for you. DO NOT GET NASAL DRESSINGS WET.
- Wear clothing that fastens in front or back for one week. Avoid
slipover sweaters, T-shirts and turtlenecks.
- Absolutely avoid sun or sun lamps for 3 months after surgery; heat
may cause the nose to swell, and there is an increased risk of
developing undesired skin pigmentation over the nose during this period of time.
- Do not swim for one month, since injuries are common during swimming.
- Do not be concerned if, following removal of the nasal cast, your
nose, eyes and upper lip show some swelling and discoloration;
bruising usually clears in 2 - 3 weeks.
- Take only medications prescribed by your doctor(s).
- Do not allow glasses or sunglasses to rest on the bridge of
your nose for at least 4 weeks. Tape your glasses to your
forehead instead: wrap a strip of tape around the central bridge
of your glasses and secure the other end to your forehead.
This will suspend the glasses over your nose to avoid the unwanted
pressure.
- Contact lenses may be worn within 2 - 3 days after surgery.
- After the doctor removes your nasal cast, the skin of the nose
may be cleansed gently with a mild soap. BE GENTLE. Makeup may
be used as soon as bandages are removed.
- When we remove our nasal cast, your nose will be swollen and
will remain so for several weeks. In fact, it takes AT LEAST
ONE YEAR FOR ALL RESIDUAL SWELLING TO SUBSIDE.
