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Rhinoplasty and Nasal Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions

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No Aspirin, Salicilates, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen for two weeks following surgery. Check all over the counter medication labels to assure medication you take does not contain the above. (Alka-Seltzer, Contact, Dristan, Midol and many others contain aspirin and other ingredients as listed above.) Tylenol is safe and may be used at any time following your surgery.

If you take prescription medications, you may resume all medication following surgery except non-steroid anti-inflammatory and blood thinning medications unless specifically directed by your surgeon.

Take your pain medication as needed. If you feel you will run out and need more, call the office so this can be refilled during regular office hours. Take any prescribed antibiotics until you have finished the entire prescription. If you feel you have having a sensitivity or allergy tone of your medications, discontinue it at once and notify your surgeon.

Report any nausea and vomiting to your surgeon for control. Uncontrolled vomiting may increase bruising and the risk of bleeding requiring emergency surgery for control. You may take 2 Tylenol Extra Strength Gelcaps every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 8 pills in a 24 hour period. Resume taking any blood pressure medication on schedule starting the day of surgery. Medication to be avoided (provided on your pre-op instruction sheets) should not be resumed for 10 days to 2 weeks to minimize the chances of bruising and post-op bleeding.

No heavy lifting, driving, or housework. DO NOT LOWER HEAD. Stay in bed for the first two days. Sleep on your back with your head elevated on two pillows (45 degree angle), or semi-reclined lounge chair. Avoid sleeping on the side of your face the first 5-7 days as it may cause more swelling. DO NOT BEND OVER. Squat if you must pick up an item.

AVOID WEARING GLASSES OR BLOWING NOSE FOR FOUR WEEKS.

Keep ice water compresses on both eyes constantly for the first two days until going to sleep at night. Discontinue each evening when ready to go to sleep for the night. After that, apply cold compresses four times daily for fifteen minutes. If desired, compresses may be used continuously. NO ICE BAGS!

A small amount of swelling and bloody drainage is to be expected. Call the office for any excessive bleeding or swelling.

Change mustache dressings as necessary. You may discontinue this dressing once drainage ceases.

Begin taking sips of water if tolerated, progress to chilled apple juice, Coke, 7-up, or Gatorade. Keep diet light the day of surgery. SOFT FOODS ONLY. Avoid greasy or spicy food. Use elbow straws to drink. Chewing excessively should be avoided. Foods with significant salt should be avoided. Sticky, thick foods may be difficult to swallow. Iced, lemon water is useful in reducing drainage in the back of your throat. It is important to keep the splint dry and intact until removed by your Doctor. If the splint becomes dislodged before 6 days, reapply the splint, retape and call the office during regular hours.

Eyeglasses may be worn for short intervals over the splint, but may cause indentation marks. Avoid prolonged, uninterrupted use. Glasses may cause the nasal bones to shift once the splint is removed and are not recommended the first four (4) weeks.

Once the splint is removed you may shower and shampoo as often as you like. You may be able to return to work one week after surgery. Activities such as diving and underwater swimming should not be resumed until approved by the doctor.

You May Expect Any of the Following:

  • Moderate discomfort. Medications will be ordered for you for the first few days at home. Expect more discomfort and pain.
  • Swelling and discomfort around the eyes. This may occur more on the second or third day after surgery than on the first.
  • It takes approximately 1-3 weeks for all the bruising to fade and 6-12 months for the fullness, primarily in the tip, to resolve.
  • If you happen to sneeze, it usually causes no harm. Pressing your finger above your upper lip can effectively inhibit the impulse if done in time.

To report a problem to your surgeon call 816-795-5262 (24 hrs.). To obtain refills on medication call 816-795-5262 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).