Chapter 6
After Your Rhinoplasty Procedure

Recovery at Home

Postoperative Instructions

Take only medications prescribed by your doctor(s).

Caring for you Nose

Do not blow nose until instructed. Wipe or dab nose gently with Kleenex if necessary.

Change dressing under nose (if present) until drainage stops.
The nasal cast will remain in place for approximately one week and will be removed in the office. Do not disturb it; keep it dry.
Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation of upper lip to keep nose at rest.

You may wash your face - carefully avoid the dressing. Take tub baths until the dressings are removed.

Do not wash hair for one week unless you have someone do it for you. DO NOT GET NASAL DRESSINGS WET.

Wear clothing that fastens in front or back for 1 wk. Avoid slipover sweaters, T-shirts and turtlenecks.

Sleeping on Your Back

Minimize Swelling and Bruising

Resuming Activities

Avoid excess or prolonged telephone conversations and social activities for at least 10-14 days.

Avoid smiling, grinning, and excess facial movements for one week.

Avoid extreme physical activity. Obtain more rest than you usually get and avoid exertion, including athletic activities & intercourse.

Food and Drink

Avoid foods that require prolonged chewing. Otherwise, your diet has no restrictions.

Avoid Sunglasses

 Do not wear regular glasses or sunglasses which rest on the bridge of the nose for at least 4 weeks. We will instruct you in the method of taping the glasses to your forehead to avoid pressure on the nose.

Contact lenses may be worn beginning 2-3 days after surgery.

Avoid the Sun, Avoid Swimming

Absolutely avoid sun or sun lamps for 6 weeks after surgery; heat may cause the nose to swell. Thereafter, use sunscreens.
Don't swim for one month, since injuries are common during swimming.

Pain Management

Take only medications prescribed by your doctor(s).

Side Effects after Surgery - Bruising, Swelling, Drainage, Stiffness, Depression

When we remove your splint, your will be swollen and will remain so for several weeks. In fact, it takes at least one year for all swelling to subside.

Following removal of the dressing, the nose, eyes, and upper lip generally show some swelling & discoloration - this usually clears up in 2-3 weeks. In certain patients it may require 12-18 months for all swelling to completely subside.

Complications

Early - Infection, Bleeding
Late - Cosmetic

When to Call Your Surgeon

DON'T TAKE CHANCES! - If you are concerned about anything you consider significant, call me.

Followup Appointments

Dr. Becker will typically see you the day after surgery, if needed, and 5-6 days after surgery to remove your bandage.

Getting Back to Normal

Following removal of the dressing, the nose, eyes, and upper lip generally show some swelling & discoloration - this usually clears up in 2-3 weeks. In certain patients it may require 12-18 months for all swelling to completely subside.
After the doctor removes your nasal cast, the skin of the nose may be cleansed with a mild soap or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion. BE GENTLE. Makeup may be used as soon as the bandages are removed.

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