RHINOPLASTY

Remember it is very important not to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. This includes coffee, juice and water.

On the morning of surgery please report to surgery center/hospital as scheduled.

1. To reduce swelling, your head should be elevated when lying down for the first two weeks after surgery. Also avoid bending over as this may cause bleeding.



2. Avoid getting your tape and splint wet, as it may loosen or come off completely, if significant loosening occurs, call your doctor.



3. Be sure to finish all the antibiotics your doctor has given you. Don't hesitate to take the pain medications -- this will reduce likelihood of further bleeding.



4. Avoid aspirin and aspirin-related products (for example, Motrin, Advil, lbuprofen, Indocin, Anaprox, etc.) for at least two weeks after surgery as these may increase bleeding after surgery.



5. Some drainage is normal following nasal surgery, and usually is blood stained mucous. You will probably have to change the drip pad ten or more times the first night after surgery. If you have a persistent nosebleed that does not respond to elevating the head and gently squeezing the tip, call your doctor.



6. If you develop a fever of greater than 101. 5 or persistent green drainage, call your doctor.



7. Do not blow your nose for at least one month after surgery. Also do not attempt to clean the inside of the nose - your doctor will take care of postoperative nasal hygiene. Because of swelling, you should not expect to breathe well through the nose for at least three to four weeks after surgery.



8. Your doctor may ask you to do nasal exercises following removal of the external splint. If so, do these at least 20 to 30 times per day for a month.



9. You should avoid strenuous exercise jogging, weight lifting, aerobics, swimming, etc.) for at least three weeks following surgery. You may do brisk walking after ten days if your doctor allows.