Post-Operative Instructions – Rhinoplasty

  1. A responsible adult MUST drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
  2. The effects of the anesthetic may remain for 24-48 hours. You should remain in bed with help to the bathroom for at least 24 hours.
  3. You may have liquids after surgery if desired. A regular diet should be enjoyed the day following surgery. Avoid very large bites (eg. Steak, large hamburgers, etc.) Drink plenty of fluids.
  4. Take medications exactly as directed. ALCOHOL is strictly prohibited. It is important to have food in your stomach before taking medications. If you should become nauseated or develop a rash, please call the office. Resume regular medications unless your doctor directs otherwise. Remember, you will need to avoid ASPIRIN and ASPIRIN-CONTAINING products for two weeks after surgery. Avoid herbal and over the counter medications for 2 weeks after surgery. These medications increase the risk for bleeding even when taken after surgery. If you have packing placed in your nose it is extremely important to take your antibiotics. You should begin your antibiotics the evening you get home from surgery.
  5. Medications:
      • Norco

    Please take this narcotic medication with food to avoid nausea.

    Do not drive or operate machinery while on this medication.

    Do not drink any alcohol while on this medication.

    This medication can be constipating. Eat a high fiber diet and/or take stool softeners (Colace, Miralax, Milk of Magnesia, etc.) if necessary.

    Once you do not have any severe pain and your postoperative pain improves, you can start alternating this medication with doses of Tylenol or Motrin.

    Be careful to not take more than 3900 mg of acetaminophen a day as doing this may damage your liver.

    Use nasal saline spray four times a day.

      • Keflex

    Finish the antibiotic completely for the entire course.

  6. You will have a drip pad under the nose after surgery. For the first several hours the drip pad may need to be changed every 15-30 minutes. If you completely saturate the dressing with bright red blood and are needing to change more frequently, please contact the office. Cool compress should be applied across the eyes for the first 48 hours. The compresses should be placed in an ice water basin. This basin should be changed every hour or as needed when the ice has melted. The compress should not get the splint wet.
  7. Keep your dressings on at all times. Do not remove the hard splint that is on top of the nose. Keep the nasal splints in, we will remove these at your clinic visit. While the nasal splints are in, take your antibiotic as prescribed. Do not blow your nose. May irrigate with saline as needed. Bacitracin ointment to each nostril 4 times a day (Place on Q-tip and wipe into each nostril). Okay to gently remove any crusts with cotton tipped applicator, but do not force them off. May place ice on cheeks on and off every 15 minutes for 24 hours. DO NOT place anything on the nose.
  8. No showering or bathing above the neck.
  9. Rest, but walking is encouraged. No strenuous activity. No activities that raise your blood pressure. No exercising. No contact sports. Prevent any trauma to your nose. Sleep with your head elevated on a minimum of 3 pillows. This will help with swelling. Do not bend over for the first week.
  10. Okay to drive after 24 hours if not taking narcotics.
  11. If worse in any way, go to your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Departments