POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
RHINOPLASTY
Pre-operatively I will meet you in the holding area to discuss with you your hopes for your rhinoplasty. At that time any questions can be answered. Your surgery will be performed under a general anesthetic. When surgery is completed I will telephone your designated contact person with a progress report.
Most patients are able to return home on the day of their surgery.
You will be discharged with a nasal splint in place. You may also have a drip pad placed underneath your nose as there can be some drainage post-operatively. The nasal splint should remain in place for the week post-operatively until it is removed by the physician. You can change the drip pad as you need throughout the days post-operatively. Typically within 1-2 days the drainage has ceased and you may remove the drip pad and any tapes attaching it.
You will find tapes underneath the splint which goes around the tip of your nose. These stifle your ability to blow your nose. You can wipe this area gently. You should not blow your nose during this first week of surgery but you may “sniff” to keep your nose as clear as is possible. When the splint and tapes are removed one week post-operatively you will be able to blow your nose gently. At that point you may also use Ocean Spray to help soften any crusts within your nose. Avoid Afrin or pseudoephedrine sprays for at least 3-4 weeks if you have had a septoplasty. You can use these products two weeks post-operatively if you have had a cosmetic rhinoplasty alone.
It is important to keep the nasal splint dry post-operatively. This means that you willhave to wash your hair in the sink. Once the splint is removed you can shower freely.
Occasionally the nose will be packed with a Vaseline gauze. Either you will be instructed in how to remove this yourself approximately 2-3 days post-operatively or will be asked to come to the office so that the physician can remove it for you.
After the splint has been removed, remember that your nose is still in the very early stages of healing. Any contact other than a soft touch can spoil the shape and positioning of the nose. Be particularly careful around children or dogs that may jump up. After approximately six weeks the bones have healed into position solidly and at this point your nose is less susceptible to other injuries. Should any blows to the nose occur, call the office immediately if you see any deviation in the overall shape and contours.
Typically the sensation over the nose and in particularly over the nasal tip, is altered post-operatively. This can persist for a period of time but usually within 3-4 weeks,it is starting to improve. Initially the tissues of your nose will feel quite firm and the more rubbery soft consistency will return after a period of time. It can however take up to two years for all of these subtle changes in nasal swelling to have fully resolved.
If you should have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the office.