Patient education: Rhinoplasty – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is rhinoplasty? — 

This is surgery to change the shape of the nose. It is usually done to change how the nose looks. It can also help people breathe more easily through their nose. Often, a rhinoplasty changes both the look and function of the nose.

How long it will take you to recover, and what you need to do, depends on which type of surgery you had.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

For the first 24 hours after surgery:

●Do not drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery.

●Do not make any important decisions or sign any important papers.

●Do not drink alcohol of any kind.

You should also:

●Expect some bruising and swelling – It is normal to have bruising and swelling of the nose and under the eyes. This usually gets worse for a few days, but then starts getting better.

●Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping – For example, for the first week, sleep on your back, with your head on 2 or 3 pillows.

●Avoid putting pressure on your nose for the first few weeks – For example:

•Do not blow your nose.

•Sneeze with your mouth open.

•If possible, avoid wearing glasses and sunglasses that rest on the bridge of your nose.

●Avoid being in the sun for long periods of time – If you cannot avoid the sun, cover your nose until your doctor says you can put sunscreen on it. This is because you might not be able to feel when your nose is getting sunburned, and too much sun after rhinoplasty can:

•Make your nose swell

•Make scars on your skin more visible

●Take all your medicines as instructed:

•Use a stool softener to help prevent constipation, if needed. This is a common problem if you take opioid pain medicines. Follow all instructions for taking your pain medicines.

•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). You can take these instead of opioids.

●Use cool compresses on your cheeks – This can help with pain and swelling. Do not use ice. Do not put the cool compress directly on your nose.

●Take care of your incision:

•If you have an incision on the outside of your skin, keep it dry and covered with a bandage for the first 1 to 2 days. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to keep it dry.

•Once you no longer need to keep your incision dry, gently wash it with soap and water whenever you take a shower. Do not put your head underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.

•After you wash your incision, pat it dry. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to put an antibiotic ointment on it. They will also tell you if you need to cover it with a bandage or gauze.

•Always wash your hands before and after you touch your incision or bandage.

●Increase your activity slowly – Start with short walks around your home, and walk a little more each day.

●Avoid activities that make you breathe heavily for at least 2 weeks – These include heavy lifting, contact sports, and sex. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to avoid these or other activities.

●Eat when you are hungry – If you have an upset stomach, it might help to start with clear liquids and foods that are easy to digest, like soup, pudding, toast, or eggs. You can eat other types of foods when you feel ready. If your doctor or nurse gave you specific instructions about what to eat or avoid, follow them.

What follow-up care do I need? — 

The doctor will want to see you again after surgery to check on your progress. Go to these appointments.

If you have stitches on the outside of your nose, or if your surgeon put gauze or splints inside your nose, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will usually want to do this in 1 week. Some stitches absorb on their own and do not need to be removed. If the doctor used skin tape, it will fall off on its own. Do not pick at it or try to remove it yourself.

Usually, the nose takes at least 1 year to completely heal. It might continue to change in appearance during this time. If you are unhappy with how your nose looks, doctors recommend waiting at least 1 year before having another rhinoplasty.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:

●Have a lot of bleeding from your nose or mouth that does not stop

●Pass out

●Have chest pain or trouble breathing

●Have a severe headache, and feel confused

Call for advice if:

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.

●You have redness or swelling around your incisions.

●Your incisions have green or yellow drainage and a bad smell.

●You have nausea or vomiting for more than 2 days after going home.

●You still have bad pain even after taking pain medicines.

●You get a deep purple or blue bulge inside your nose, or your nose feels blocked.

●You are unhappy with how your nose looks.

●You have more headaches than you had before surgery.

●Your nose is very runny, or your eyes are very watery.

More on this topic

Patient education: Rhinoplasty (The Basics)
Patient education: Septoplasty (The Basics)