Rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery)

Day of Surgery

1. A mustache dressing will be taped under your nose immediately after surgery to absorb drainage from the nose.  Change this dressing as needed.  Do not dab at the nose with tissues, etc. for it may cause bleeding.  When external drainage stops you can remove the dressing. 

Week One

1. Do not blow your nose! The stuffiness in your nose is due to swelling.  Likewise, avoid sneezing.  If you must sneeze, let it come out through your mouth like a cough. You must  avoid blowing as this will not relieve the sensation of blockage and may actually produce bleeding and more swelling.  If you can breathe through your nose effortlessly, you may do so.
2. Please ask our medical staff when to start using the saline nasal spray (usually post-op day 5-7). Do not use oral decongestants such as Sudafed or Actifed.  Do not use spray decongestants such as Afrin or Neosynephrine.  This will interfere with proper healing.
3. A tape dressing will be applied to your nose immediately after surgery.  This should remain in place until we remove it at your one-week post-operative visit.  Do not manipulate or remove this dressing yourself!
4. You may wash your hair while the dressing is in place, but it is very important that the dressing does not get soaking wet.
5. Be very careful when pulling clothing over your head so as not to injure your nose.
6. It is normal to feel like you have a dry mouth.  To help relieve the discomfort due to dry mouth you may:  a)  sip liquids throughout the day; and/or b) keep your lips moist with Vaseline, Chapstick or lipstick.  A humidifier may be helpful but is not absolutely necessary.

Week Two

1. Continue the use of saline nasal spray (no decongestants) at least three times per day to help soften any crusts which may remain inside the nose.  This will facilitate their removal at your next office visit.
2. You may begin to blow your nose on post-op day 10.  Blow gently from both nostrils at the same time. This is done best while in the shower.  Breathe in the steam for about 5-10 minutes to humidify your nose, then gently blow.

Special Considerations

1. The swelling on the outside of the nose is reflected by swelling on the inside of the nose.  The lining of the nose is swollen after your operation and your nose will feel "stuffy".  You can expect more mucous drainage than normal for several days.  It is normal for the mucous to be pink or blood tinged immediately after surgery.
2. Immediately after the dressing is removed, the bridge, sides of the nose, and nasal tip may appear swollen.  This swelling will continue to subside and the nose will settle to its new position.  IT WILL TAKE AT LEAST 12-18 MONTHS FOR ALL THE SWELLING TO DISAPPEAR AND FOR YOUR NOSE TO REACH ITS FINAL SHAPE.
3. Occasionally, individuals sustain accidental blows to the nose during the early post-operative period.  If the blow is hard, or if bleeding and considerable swelling ensues, please call the office.

Should a persistent nose bleed occur (dripping bright red blood for 2 to 3 minutes):

1. Lie down for 20 minutes with your head elevated and forward.
2. Apply cool compresses over the bridge of your nose (this is for swelling).
3. Apply pressure by placing your fingers on the creases on either side of the nostril and push back against the face (not pinching the nostrils).
4. If the nose continues to bleed profusely after following these measures, please call our office immediately.