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Rhinoplasty (Nasal) Surgery
SWELLING, DISCOLORATION, BLACK EYES AND DIFFICULTY BREATHING
As you were told before surgery, a varying amount of temporary swelling, discoloration, black eyes and difficulty nasal breathing follows this procedure, so try not to become anxious � it will pass. It will be difficult to breathe through your nose for approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery. This feels much like having a cold with nasal congestion. It is also common to have some bleeding from your nose as well as postnasal drip.
AFTER YOUR OPERATION:
You can help normal healing to occur several ways:
- 1. Clean inside of nostril with Q-tip (not deep) with antibiotic ointment Bactroban 2x daily for 5 days.
- 2. Apply cold compresses to eyes. Change every 15 minutes for the first 48 hours.
- 3. Sleep with your head elevated 30 to 40 degrees for one week; use an additional pillow or two under your mattress, if necessary.
- 4. Leave nasal splint in place. Please call if it becomes dislodged or falls off.
- 5. STAY UP (sitting, standing, walking around) as much as possible after you return home �this is important! Of course, you should rest when you tired.
- 6. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy things for one week. In addition to aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and start bleeding.
- 7. Avoid straining at stool, which also raises the blood pressure. Stay hydrated and eat foods that keep you regular
- 8. Tub bathing or showering can be resumed the day after surgery; do not use excessively hot water. The face may be gently cleansed with warm soap and water.
- 9. Avoid the use of hairdryers for the first week.
- 10. Do not resume exercising, running, aerobics, or nautilus for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
- 11. Do not wear eyeglasses or sunglasses until seen by your physician. Contact lenses may be worn one week after surgery.
- 12. Eye shadow or false eyelashes should not be applied until two weeks after surgery.
- 13. Do not apply makeup until seen at your first postoperative visit. Our Aesthetician will speak with you regarding camouflage makeup application at your first postoperative visit.
- 14. You should probably not plan to return to work until four or five days, or perhaps a week, after your surgery.
- 15. Swelling and discoloration can take 2-3 months to improve. Your final result is not achieved until one year after surgery.
- 16. All scars go through a period of slight swelling and, perhaps, reddening usually around six weeks after surgery; later, this subsides, and they become virtually imperceptible. This is the way a normal scar matures. Thus, any unevenness of the edges of the incisions or lumpiness of the scar is usually temporary and will subside with the passage of time.
- 17. Packing in the nose may come out or you may swallow it either is ok.
- 18. Use saline nasal spray as directed
- 19. Avoid sneezing or nose blowing for 6 weeks.
