Discharge Instructions for Rhinoplasty

What to expect

• Bleeding may occur after surgery. It should subside in about 4 to 7 days.

• Swelling may occur around your outer nose. It should subside over the next 1 to 2 weeks.

• Expect your nose to be blocked during the first week after surgery. This is caused by blood, mucus, and swelling inside the nose.

• Dark colouration or bruising may appear around the eyes. It should subside over the next 1 to 2 weeks.

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Nose care

• Avoid blowing your nose for 1 week(s).

• Do not insert any objects, such as cotton swabs, in your nose, not even for cleaning.

• Clean the outer part of the nostrils with hydrogen peroxide. You may apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the outer nostrils.

• Do not apply ice to the area unless your health care provider says it’s OK.

• 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.

• Avoid trauma to your nose. Try not to bend over, bump your nose, or roll onto your face while asleep.

• Avoid wearing glasses of any kind or resting anything on your nose for 2 months after surgery.

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Other home care

• Take your medication exactly as directed.

• Do not take aspirin unless your health care provider says it’s OK.

• Keep your head elevated when you rest or sleep for 7 days after surgery to keep swelling to a minimum.

• 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.

• 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.

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Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment.

 

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:

• Increasing pain or severe pain that is not relieved by medication

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Yellow or green discharge from the wound

• Increasing redness around the incision lines

• Nose bleeding that does not slow down in 4 to 7 days

• Accidental bump of your nose