Post-op instructions · Closed rhinoplastyAfter surgery.
What to do, day by day.

The first 24 hours.

• Stay in bed and sleep with your head elevated on two pillows.
• Some bleeding from the nose is normal. The gauze dressing collects it and should be changed only when saturated.
• Use an ice compress continually on your eyes until 10 pm. Intermittent ice compresses are very important for at least ten days; they reduce swelling.
• The outside of the nose may be cleaned with Q-tips soaked in hydrogen peroxide.
• Do not try to inhale or exhale through the nose. Breathe only through your mouth.
• Take medications as prescribed, and eat a soft, light, cool diet as tolerated.

Diet.

Small portions, eaten frequently. Eat a high-protein diet: poached fresh fish, eight to ten almonds soaked in water for four to six hours so they are soft, pasta in a light sauce, brown rice, oatmeal, cream of wheat, oat bran, salads, tofu, soy milk and fresh fruit. Later, lukewarm soup, applesauce, yoghurt, fruit shakes, eggs and chicken.

Nothing hot, crunchy or spicy; very warm food causes swelling. Avoid alcohol, salt, MSG, caffeine and dairy, and do not smoke. Eat before coming to the office for post-operative visits.

After the packing comes out.

• Apricot oil is provided. Tilt your head back and, with the dropper, put one or two drops in each nostril four to five times a day. Do not use a Q-tip. The oil stops the mucus that heals the nose from forming a crust.
• You may breathe through your nose, but do not blow it for seven to ten days. When sneezing, let the pressure come through your mouth. No gum chewing.
• If the doctor asks for steam inhalation, use a kettle at one to two feet from the nozzle for about five minutes, or a steam room. Only after the cast is removed.
• Light blood-tinged drainage for several days is normal. If the nose begins to bleed, place a small piece of cotton soaked in ½% Neo-Synephrine nose drops (from any pharmacy) in the nostril and relax. If it continues, call the office.
• Do not brush your front teeth on the first day. On the second day, brush very gently.
• Rest for the first week. Avoid bending over, excessive talking, smiling, hard chewing, lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, and getting the cast wet.
• If you need to travel by plane, ask the doctor. Generally you may fly eight days after surgery.

Healing care, the weeks after.

• After the dressings are removed, avoid striking or bumping your nose, and do not lie on it.
• Clean the skin of the nose gently but thoroughly with any mild soap.
• No sun on the nose for four to six weeks after the cast comes off, and sunscreen for six weeks. If you will be in the sun, a hat as well.
• Light exercise can resume at ten days if there is no jarring and no forward head bending: treadmill walking at an incline, a stationary bike, or free weights. No running, jumping or swimming for at least six weeks, and no diving for two months.
• Do not wear heavy glasses or sunglasses unless approved by Dr. Kanodia.
• Your nose may be swollen and stuffy for several months. The healing process keeps changing the shape of the nose, so the early post-operative visits are essential, and monthly follow-ups for one full year are recommended.