Septoplasty/Sinus Surgery & Rhinoplasty

Instructions for Post Operative Care

Septoplasty/Sinus Surgery and Rhinoplasty

1. Keep head elevated on two pillows. Change gauze pads as needed. If packing is placed, this will be removed within the first two to three days.
2. Take oral antibiotics and decongestants if prescribed. Saline nasal sprays are to be started after packing is removed.
3. Use cool mist humidifier in bedroom.
4. Take Tylenol or Tylenol with Codeine as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing compounds such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Naprosyn, etc. , two weeks prior to and two weeks after surgery.
5. Liquid diet for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours increasing to soft foods and your regular diet as tolerated.
6. No heavy exercising, aerobics or lifting for two weeks.
7. No nose blowing for two weeks.
8. Notify Dr. Setzen if there is persistent bright red blood from the mouth or nose.
9. No hot or spicy foods and no hot baths for the first week.

For Rhinoplasty Patients, please follow all of the above, plus:

1. Nasal cast may stay on for one week. Black and blue may be present for one to two weeks.
2. Ice compresses around the eyes for the first twenty-four hours.
3. No eye glasses on nose for six weeks. No contact sports for six weeks. Tape eye glasses to forehead or wear contact lenses.
4. No hot showers above the neck for one week.
5. Avoid direct prolonged sun exposure to nose for six to twelve months. Use no less than 20 SPF lotion on nose.
6. Suggested herbal therapy to control bruising – SinEcch or Arnica (obtain from vitamin or health store).