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Your Splints Are Out… Now What?

Wondering how to proceed post-splint removal? It’s pretty simple, and you’ll be feeling back to normal in no time at all.

Watch this short video and follow the instructions below for a safe recovery and look forward to breathing freely.

Here’s How to Care for Your Nose Post-Splint Removal

Gently Blow Your Nose

Now that your splints have been removed, you can start to gently blow your nose. Don’t be alarmed if you notice traces of blood, nasal crusting, or other debris. This is perfectly normal to experience for a few weeks after your surgery and splint removal. There is no need to send us photos. Trust us, we’ve seen it all!

Keep Your Nose Moist

Once the splints have been removed, increase your use of the nasal rinse spray. This will keep your nose moist and clean and reduce crusting and potential bleeding. It will also help you breathe easier. We recommend the NeilMed Sinus Rinse.

Be cautious not to spray water directly toward your septum. Instead, point the tip toward your temple so it irrigates your sinuses.

Resume Nasal Spray

After your splints are removed in your follow-up appointment, you can now resume using the corticosteroids prescribed by Dr. Pasha. These are typically Flonase, Xhance, or Pulmicort. Just make sure it’s Dr. Pasha-approved.

The corticosteroid spray will help reduce post-surgery inflammation while relieving existing allergies and hypersensitivity.

Refrain From Strenuous Activities

While your nose may be healing up fine, you are still at risk of bleeding. Therefore, Dr. Pasha wants you to continue to avoid vigorous activities such as exercise and weight lifting.

Excess bleeding may prolong your recovery period. So hold off on the gym until Dr. Pasha gives you the green light.

Be Cautious for a Few Months

You may experience sudden congestion throughout the next few months. If this happens, gently spray your sinus rinse into your nose to get the scab out. However, if your nose remains congested, make an appointment and we can clear out the obstruction.

Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment

Yes, we know you just had your splint removal appointment. But you need to schedule another one for a week after splint removal. During this appointment, we will perform a sinus debridement. This in-office procedure uses an endoscope to remove crust and debris from inside your nose. The simple procedure improves healing, lessens scarring, and reduces risk recurrence.

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What Happens if My Nose Bleeds?

Don’t panic. Follow these instructions.

It’s important to remember that light blood spotting is normal. Follow this guide to help stop a post-op nose bleed in the comfort of your home.

1

Keep Calm

Remember that you just had surgery and still have a risk of bleeding. Avoid vigorous activities for at least one to two weeks post-splint removal.

If you have high blood pressure, take your medications and monitor your blood pressure.

2

Don’t Panic

Nosebleeds occur 5% of the time during the post-operation period. Minor nose bleeds are not a concern. However, excessive bleeding may go into your throat and cause you to spit out blood or vomit. If you are experiencing a major bleed, you may need to come into the office or back to the operating room.

Give us a call to talk about your options – (281) 723-2644.

3

Blood-Tinged Mucus Is Normal

If you are dripping blood like a faucet, call our 24/7 number. Other than that, you can ignore light spotting and blood-tinged mucus.
4

Pinch Your Nose

If you have more than light spotting, pinch your nose and lean your head forward. This will prevent blood from going to the back of your throat.
5

Apply Medication

Apply Afrin (oxymetazoline) to a cotton ball and place it in your nostril. Then, pinch the front of your nose for 10 minutes.
6

Call for Emergencies

If excessive bleeding continues, give us a call. You can reach our office 24/7 by calling (281) 723-2644.

Have Any Other Post-Splint Removal Questions or Concerns?

Contact our office and one of our staff members will be happy to assist.  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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