Nasal Surgery including Rhinoplasty is performed either under deep sedation or light general anesthesia. Most people don’t remember their experience in the operating room because of the amnesia effects of the sedatives.
After your plastic surgery, you will spend some time in the Recovery Room of the surgical facility.
When you wake up, you will have a cold compress gauze dressing over your nose and eyes and a nasal splint on our nose. Don’t be alarmed if your eyes are covered and you cannot see. There is always a nurse available to assist you. Just ask for anything you need!
Your vision might also be blurry for few ours afer surgery because of the lubricants that were placed on your eyes to keep them from drying during surgery.
Don’t panic even if you can not breathe through your nose. You might either have a nasal packing or have swelling blocked your nasal airway. You will be able to continue to breathe through your nose, just like when you have nasal congestion with the flu.
After you go home you will experience some bloody discharge from your nose for several days. This is normal, unless you are bleeding profusely. Don’t pack your nose, stuff tissue paper in your nose, or stick Q-tips or fingers into your nose. You can cause more injury and bleeding.
You will have much brusing around your eyes which will gradually disipate over the next two weeks.
It is normal to feel dizzy and to get nauseated during the first week of surgery, especially while you are taking narcotics. You can take your nausea medications, and make sure that you take your medications with food.
If you have nasal packing, please carefully follow the instruction for its care and removal provided in the following section.
§ After surgery, the best position for the first two days is to be lying semi-reclined. Elevation of the upper body and head reduces the swelling and aching of the nose.
§ The application of cold packs or frozen peas over your eyes and nose are of the most benefit, especially during the first two to three days.
§ Refrain from staying in hot places or in front of the oven or a heater because it can dry your nose and increase the chance of getting a nose bleed. In addition you can help prevent excessive nasal dryness by usign a humidifier, and applying Vasoline to your nostrils before going to bed and after getting out of the shower. Saline nasal sprays do help moisturize the nose, but because they dry quickly, they are not as effective as applying Vaseline.
§ Take your pain medications routinely because any increase in pain can increase your blood pressure and cause nasal bleeding, more swelling, bruising, and prolonged healing.
§ Take your nausea medications about one hour before taking your antibiotics and pain medication in order to lessen the extent of nausea.
§ There are not dietary restrictions. However, you should refrain from eating greasy or acidic foods to prevent nausea. Make sure to drink adequate fluids so you do not get dehydrated.
§ If you take high blood pressure medication, be sure to continue taking it to reduce the chance of a nosebleed.
§ Do NOT take any aspirin-like products, diet pills, or vitamins until after approved by your doctor.
§ It is good to stay well hydrated, but avoid drinking too much plain water because it can make you more nauseated.
§ Avoid eating greasy or spicy foods for the first three days, and have antacids available if you get an upset stomach.
§ Refrain from smoking for at least two weeks after surgery, because smoking can actually irritate the eyes and prolong your recovery.
§ Do NOT blow your nose forcefully, because this causes nosebleeds. If you are about to sneeze, keep your mouth open, to relieve nasal pressure.
§ Don’t pack your nose, stuff tissue paper in your nose, or stick Q-tips or fingers into your nose. You can cause more injury and bleeding.
§ You should keep your nasal splint dry and intact until removed by your doctor.
§ I encourage you to be mobile and not to be sedentary in order to reduce the chance of forming blood clots in your legs.
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§ Recovery varies for each patient, as will the timing for resuming exercise and normal physical activities. Although you will probably be able to return to work within a 3-7 days, your cosmetic surgeon will instruct you to avoid heavy physical exertion, including heavy lifting, frequent bending, reaching high over shoulder, and jogging for the first 3-4 weeks.
§ While most of the swelling will go away during the first two months, there is going to be some residual swelling and inflammation for up to one year after surgery depending on the extent of surgery and the way your body heals.
§ You can have sex after one week, as long as you don’t overly exert yourself.
§ You cannot use a public pool, Jacuzzi, or go into the ocean for at least 4 weeks after surgery.
§ Small whitehead-like cysts called Milia can develop on your nose after surgery, which will go away by skin cleansing.
§ Internal nasal sutures are dissolvable and do not have to be removed. If you have external sutures, they will usually be removed in about one week after surgery.
§ You can wear camouflage makeup and concealer after your sutures are removed
§ After returning to work, do no drive or operate machinery if you are taking narcotics.
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§ If you get a nosebleed don’t panic and follow the instructions provided below.
§ During your first week after your surgery if you have any urgent questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office, at any time of the day or night.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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