General measures after nose surgery
Patients may go home the same day or stay in hospital overnight after surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home. It is normal to have a blood stained discharge from the nose initially. Antibiotics may be required for the first week after nose surgery. Saline nasal flushes and steroid spray (eg. Nasonex) are routinely prescribed after nose and sinus surgery. Saline flush will help to reduce the risk of crusts developing inside the nose after surgery.
Nose blowing and sneezing
Avoid picking or rubbing the nose. Gently blowing your nose may be advised to begin the day after surgery. Try to open your mouth when you sneeze. In rare cases sneezing may cause swelling around the eyes – if this occurs contact your surgeon or nearest emergency room.
For best results after nose surgery
- Avoid dust, smoke and fumes or anything else that may irritate the nose
- Do not smoke because it delays healing
- To reduce your risk of infection avoid contact with people who have colds
- Avoid strenuous exercise, which may increase your risk of bleeding for the first two to three weeks after surgery
Nasal stuffiness
You may have nasal stuffiness, which can last for several weeks after nose and sinus surgery. For the first two weeks after nose surgery you may feel like you have a head cold. These symptoms should resolve as your nose heals. It make take up to three months before you feel the full benefits of nose and sinus surgery.
Pain relief after nose and sinus surgery
Most patients experience pain for up to two weeks. Pain relief medicine is best taken regularly as needed. Regular panadol or panadeine are recommended. Pain usually reduces after the first few days.
Follow-up after nose and sinus surgery
During follow-up visits your surgeon checks the progress of healing. Visits are usually arranged after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and then every 3 months as needed. You need to call the office to arrange these appointments.
For two weeks before and after nose and sinus surgery the following medications should not be taken as they impair blood clotting and may lead to excessive bleeding:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Ginko biloba
- Vitamin E
- Garlic supplements
- Fish oil
Report to your nose surgeon if you develop:
- Fever >38.5oC
- Heavy nose bleeds
- Clear gin like fluid from the nostrils
- Green / yellow fluid (mucus) from the nostrils
- Increasingly red or tender nose
- Worsening pain in the nose, face or head
- Dizziness or fainting
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