Nasal Surgery: Your Recovery

Tips for healing

• Don’t take medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Don't bump your nose or touch the splint or packing.

• Don't bend or lift.

• Don't do forceful exercises. Follow what your healthcare provider directs.

• Sneeze or cough with your mouth open. This to reduce pressure inside your nose.

• Keep from blowing your nose until you’re told it’s OK to do so.

• Keep eyeglasses from resting on your nose. Try taping them above the nose.

• Protect your nose from the sun.

• Start saltwater rinses if prescribed after packing is removed.

• Take all medicines as your provider prescribed.

• Keep follow-up appointments with your provider.

Follow-up visits

Your healthcare provider will most likely want to see you within 1 week to check your healing. Any packing, splint, or dressings may be removed at that time. You may feel slight discomfort and bleed a little when this is done.

Checking the results

Your healthcare provider will check your healing and the results of your surgery during later follow-up visits. Talk with them about any problems or concerns you may have.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call if any of these occur:

• More pain, swelling, or bruising

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Active bleeding

• Fluid leaking from the nose

• Headaches that don't get better with medicine

• Decreased or double vision

• Stiff neck or very tired feeling