Discharge Instructions for Rhinoplasty
You had a surgical procedure called rhinoplasty, which changes the structure and shape of the nose. Here’s what you need to know after this procedure.
What to expect
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Bleeding may occur after surgery. It should stop in about 4 to 7 days.
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Swelling may occur around your outer nose. It should resolve over the next 1 to 2 weeks.
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Expect your nose to be blocked during the first week after surgery. This is caused by blood, mucus, and swelling inside the nose. There may be packing in place for a few days after surgery that will make it hard to breathe through the nose.
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Dark coloration or bruising may appear around the eyes. It should resolve over the next 1 to 2 weeks.
Nose care
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Avoid blowing your nose for 1 week(s).
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Don't insert any objects, such as cotton swabs, in your nose, not even for cleaning.
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Clean the outer part of the nostrils with hydrogen peroxide. You may apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the outer nostrils.
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Don't apply ice to the area unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
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Minimize sun exposure to the nose for at least 12 months. Always use a sunscreen with a high SPF when going out in the sun.
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Avoid trauma to your nose. Try not to bend over, bump your nose, or roll onto your face while asleep.
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Don'e wear glasses of any kind or rest anything on your nose for 2 months after surgery.
Other home care
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Take your medicine exactly as directed.
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Do not take aspirin unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
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Keep your head elevated when you rest or sleep for 7 days after surgery to keep swelling to a minimum.
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Try to rest quietly for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid any activity that increases your blood pressure or pulse rate, because this could cause bleeding.
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You may shower or bathe after surgery, but be careful if you have an external cast on your nose. Casts should remain dry. So before taking a shower, make sure that the water flow does not hit your face. Adjust the showerhead if necessary.
Follow-up
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
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Increasing pain or severe pain that is not relieved by medicine
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Yellow or green discharge from the wound
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Increasing redness around the incision lines
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Nose bleeding that does not slow down in 4 to 7 days
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Accidental bump of your nose
Online Medical Reviewer:
Brown, Kim, APRN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lickstein, David, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2017
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