Patient Education

Rhinoplasty
& Nasal Fracture

Post Operative Instructions

• NO SMOKE! Smoking, smokeless tobacco products, and second-hand smoke increase your chances of bleeding and infection following your surgery.
• WARNING! Do not blow your nose until given permission by your surgeon! Avoid sneezing. But, if you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
• IMMEDIATE CONCERNS
  • Stay out of school/work for as many weeks as your doctor prescribes.
  • If packing is present, call the office after surgery to schedule removal.
    
• SWELLING & DISCOMFORT:
• You may experience swelling or bruising around your eyes. This is normal.
• If you have a nasal cast, you may use ice compresses on the nasal area if you want. A bag of frozen peas works well because it will form to your face.
• You may experience numbness in your front teeth or lips for several weeks. This is not unusual.
• Expect nasal congestion and difficulty breathing for several days.
• Expect some bloody drainage in the back of your throat for several days after surgery.
  
• CARE & MAINTENANCE:
• Nasal Drip Pad: Change this drip pad only when totally saturated. The need to change this dressing will vary based upon your activity level. This nasal tip dressing (NOT the cast, nasal splints or nasal packing) may usually be removed by the patient 24-40 hours after surgery.
• Nasal Cast: If you have a cast on the bridge of your nose, keep it dry and do not move it or try to rearrange it.
  
• HYGIENE: Feel free to shower the day of surgery if no cast is present. If you have a nasal cast, you may shower but avoid direct contact with water on the nose and face.
  
• ROUTINE:
• Lifting: No heavy lifting (over 10 lbs.) for at least one week.
• Sports/Recreation: No contact sports for 6 weeks after surgery.
• Sleeping: You may find it more comfortable to have your head elevated while reclining or sleeping.
  
• UNACCEPTABLE MEDICATIONS: (These can cause bleeding; Avoid for 7 days after surgery)
  • Do not take the following over-the-counter drugs: Aspirin, Ibuprophen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Goody’s Powders, Vitamin E.
  • Do not take the following herbal products: Ginger, Fever Few, Garlic, Gingko Biloba, or White Bark.
• TRAVEL: Do not drive or fly until you are finished with your pain medication. However, you may be a passenger for local travel when you are comfortable enough to do so.

• Bleeding: If you experience prolonged, worsened, or severe nasal bleeding, contact your surgeon immediately.
• Fever: If you have a fever over 101 degrees on two consecutive readings.
• Pain: If pain increases despite prescribed pain medication.
• Vision: If you expreience noticeable changes in your vision.