Patient Instructions - Rhinoplasty


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Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions both BEFORE and AFTER surgery. By following them carefully, you will assist in obtaining the best possible result from your surgery. If questions arise, do not hesitate to contact our office and discuss your questions with us at any time.

Do not blow your nose until instructed. Wipe or dab your nose gently with Kleenex, if necessary. If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to prevent build up of pressure within your nose.
Change any dressing under your nose until drainage stops. You may gently apply an antibiotic ointment to your nostril area once or twice daily, using clean cotton swabs.
If you have a nasal cast, it will remain in place for approximately one week and will be removed in the clinic. Do not disturb it; KEEP IT DRY.
Avoid foods that require prolonged chewing, and minimize your salt intake for four weeks after surgery. Foods with salt tend to increase the amount of nasal swelling.
Avoid extreme physical activity for one month. Obtain more rest than you usually get and avoid exertion. Sleep with your head elevated for one month. Do not bend over for one month.
Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation of the upper lip to keep nose at rest.
Avoid excess or prolonged telephone conversations and social activities for the first week.
You may wash your face, but be careful to avoid the dressing. Try to take lukewarm TUB BATHS until the dressings are removed.
Avoid smiling, grinning and excessive facial movements for one week.
Do not wash your hair for one week unless you have someone to do it for you. DO NOT GET NASAL DRESSINGS WET.
Wear clothing that fastens in front or back for one week. Avoid slipover sweaters, T-shirts and turtlenecks.
Absolutely avoid sun or sun lamps for 3 months after surgery; heat may cause the nose to swell, and there is an increased risk of developing undesired skin pigmentation over the nose during this period of time.
Do not swim for one month, since injuries are common during swimming.
Do not be concerned if, following removal of the nasal cast, your nose, eyes and upper lip show some swelling and discoloration; bruising usually clears in 2 - 3 weeks.
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor(s).
Do not allow glasses or sunglasses to rest on the bridge of your nose for at least 4 weeks. Tape your glasses to your forehead instead: wrap a strip of tape around the central bridge of your glasses and secure the other end to your forehead. This will suspend the glasses over your nose to avoid the unwanted pressure.
Contact lenses may be worn within 2 - 3 days after surgery.
After the doctor removes your nasal cast, the skin of the nose may be cleansed gently with a mild soap. BE GENTLE. Makeup may be used as soon as bandages are removed.
When we remove our nasal cast, your nose will be swollen and will remain so for several weeks. In fact, it takes AT LEAST ONE YEAR FOR ALL RESIDUAL SWELLING TO SUBSIDE.