In the immediate post operative period your nose will feel quite blocked and stuffy. This is due to the normal healing process where swelling occurs and the presence of any intra nasal dressing that is used.
Post operative pain relief if required will normally respond to the over the counter medications given to you on discharge, if this is inadequate please contact us in the rooms.
Most patients will have a small amount of dissolvable dressing in the nose. This is made to dissolve and fragment on its own over 3 to 14 days. It will dissolve more quickly with the use of the saline nasal wash you will be given prior to discharge from hospital.
We recommend a nasal washout at least 4 times per day for the first 2 weeks using the nasal saline douche. A spray of nozoil into each nostril following this speeds healing.
It’s not recommended to blow your nose for the first four days post operatively, this is to prevent bleeding.
You can wipe or dab nose gently with tissue if necessary. After five days gentle blowing is fine.
Change the dressing under nose (if present) as required.
The nasal plaster case will remain in place for approximately one week and will be removed in the office. Do not disturb it, and try to keep it dry.
Try to avoid extreme physical activity. Obtain more rest than you usually get and avoid exertion, including strenuous athletic activities for 10-14 days. You can expect to feel quite tired for the first 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
Brush teeth gently. Avoid manipulation of upper lip to keep nose dressing at rest.
You may wash your face – carefully, avoid getting the dressing wet.
Don’t be concerned if, following removal of dressing, the nose, eyes and upper lip show some swelling and discoloration – this will usually clear in 2-3 weeks.
Take only the medications prescribed by us and contact Mr. Burgess or our office if you are concerned about any part of your post operation recovery.