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Post-Op Nasal Care

Here’s What You Need to Know for a Successful Recovery After Nasal Surgery

Wondering What to Expect After Nasal Surgery?

First of all, congratulations on completing your operation!

Check out this short video to learn all about post-op nasal care and what you can expect.

Have any further questions or need assistance? Call the 24/7 number on the card given to you for post-op needs.

What to Expect After Nasal Surgery

Sore Nose

If your surgery was just completed today, your nose probably feels pretty sore.

The discomfort is normal and to be expected. However, it should subside by the time you wake up tomorrow morning.

Take Tylenol as directed for relief.

Young man with snore nose post surgery
young woman with nose drainage post surgery

Drainage

Drainage for the first 24 to 48 hours post-op is normal and to be expected. The purpose of the gauze on your nose is to catch that drainage.

Most patients change the gauze about every two hours out of preference. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a little bit of blood.

If your nose is dripping like a faucet, that may be a sign of a complication. Call the 24/7 number on the card given to you to speak with someone from our office if you are experiencing excessive drainage.

What You Need To Do

Take Your Medications

Not all patients require pain medication. But if you need relief from discomfort, take Tylenol. You can continue taking Tylenol throughout the week if needed. However, you’ll likely only need it for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Make sure to take your antibiotics as directed. We typically prescribe Z-packs (Azithromycin). Please let your doctor and Dr. Pasha’s staff know if you have an allergy to any antibiotics to avoid allergic reactions.

Z-Pack

This antibiotic’s instructions are quite easy to follow. Essentially, you’ll take two pills the day after surgery. Then, you’ll take one pill every day for four days. Easy enough, right?

Keep Your Nose Moist

It’s critical to keep your nose moist to help you breathe easier. We recommend using a sinus rinse bottle to gingerly squirt water into your nose. Keep in mind that you may have splints in there, so don’t squirt the water too hard or attempt a full flush. This may result in pushing clots further into your passageway and splints and may make it more difficult to breathe.

If you find yourself mouth breathing, it’s likely because the splints are making it difficult to breathe through your nose. This isn’t something to be concerned about, but may make your mouth dry. A bedside humidifier can help to alleviate the dry mouth and help you breathe easier.

Once the splints are removed at your follow-up appointment, your breathing will be normal.

Keep Your Nose Clean

The most important thing is to take care of your nose and keep it clean. If you notice blood spots or clots, then you can easily clean your nose. To do so, simply wet either a Q-tip or gauze with hydrogen peroxide and water and gently wipe the inside of your nose.

Everything within your nose is secure, so you don’t need to worry about breaking a stitch.

Know Your Limitations

If you feel comfortable enough, it’s ok to go to work or school the day after your surgery. There are no food restrictions post-op, so enjoy your favorite meal. You may consider having it delivered if you don’t feel like getting out of the house. But that is entirely up to you.

Refrain from any strenuous activities like exercising or lifting weights.

Prepare for Recovery

If you want to be fully prepared for everything you may need, here’s a simple shopping list:

  • Tylenol
  • Gauze
  • Q-tips
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Sinus rinse (we recommend this NeilMed rinse bottle)
  • Humidifier
  • Easy-to-make meals for the first couple of days

Schedule Your Follow-Up Appointment

Make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment four to seven days after your surgery. This is when your splints will be removed and we will clean up any dried blood or clots. Your breathing will greatly improve after this appointment. The process is simple and painless. There’s no need to have someone else drive you home.

Additionally, Dr. Pasha will discuss how to continue to care for your nose and will let you know when you can begin exercising and/or lifting weights again.

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Portrait of Dr. Pasha wearing surgical equipment

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