Rhinoplasty Post Operative Instructions
The nose is extremely fragile following rhinoplasty surgery, and it is crucial that it be protected from trauma and activities that may cause bleeding. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions that include limitations on physical activity, how to sleep, as well as types of food that should be eaten and wound care.
For the first week following plastic surgery on the nose it is important not to do anything that could hurt the nose. This includes picking up children and pets, and doing anything that may cause a blow to the nose. Most patients will hit or bump their nose during this time, and it will hurt. Unless it is hit with something capable of delivering a large amount of force to a small area, a bump will not normally cause complications. Activities that require bending over at the waist, such as gardening and yoga should be avoided because they can cause bleeding. Contact sports should be avoided for at least six months.
Avoiding alcohol for at least two weeks following nose surgery is important because it can cause bleeding. Smoking or being around people who are smoking should also be avoided.
You should sleep on your back. Sleeping on the side or stomach could cause injury or bleeding.
Eat foods that do not require a lot of chewing. It isn’t necessary to eat baby food, but steak or beef jerky should be avoided for the first week. You also drink lots of liquids.
Try to avoid becoming overly emotional, and especially crying which can lead to more swelling and bleeding.
The wound will need to be cleaned, usually no more than three times a day using a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide. A small amount of petroleum jelly or anti-bacterial gel should be applied to the outside of then nostrils to prevent drying.