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POSTOPERATIVE CARE: RHINOPLASTY (NOSE)
Postoperative Instructions
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Keep splint on your nose as dry as possible. Notify office if the dressing comes off.
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Sleep on your back with the head of your bed elevated 30 to 40 degrees, or sleep in a recliner. Sleeping alone is recommended for 2 weeks following surgery.
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Use cold compresses as much as possible for the first 3 days following surgery.
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Take a decongestant if you get a cold. This may decrease drainage however, it will not improve stuffiness due to swelling for the first 7 to 10 days. It may cause drowsiness, so do not take it unless needed.
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Maintain sifting or standing position as much as possible to reduce swelling. Remember to rest when you tire.
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Clean outside suture lines (if they were required for surgery) with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip followed by Vaseline 6 times a day.
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Wear a mustache dressing as much as needed to catch any drainage.
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Apply lipstick with lip brush only.
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Brush upper teeth with finger and a washcloth. Do not use toothbrush for the first 7 days or until the nose splint is removed.
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Open mouth if sneezing or coughing occurs.
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| DO NOT: | Bend over or lift heavy objects.
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| DO NOT: | Bump or hit nose.
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| DO NOT: | Tweeze eyebrows for 1 week.
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| DO NOT: | Use salon hair dryer for 1 week. (Use hand held dryer on cool, if needed).
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| DO NOT: | Sniff or forcefully breathe through nose.
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| DO NOT: | Put anything in your nose unless specifically directed to do so.
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| DO NOT: | Wipe your nose with a Kleenex or handkerchief, use the drip pad (mustache dressing)
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| DO NOT: | Blow nose for the first 10 days, then blow both sides at the same time only.
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| DO NOT: | Grin or smile excessively.
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| DO NOT: | Eat chewy foods for 1 week following surgery.
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| DO NOT: | Engage in strenuous exercise for at least the first 2 weeks. No diving or skiing for 2 months. No contact sports for 4 months following surgery.
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| DO NOT: | Use nose sprays, unless instructed to do so.
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| DO NOT: | Wear glasses directly on the nose. Doing so could permanently disfigure your nose. Suspend glasses with tape to your forehead or push ups for at least 6 weeks following surgery.
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Please call the office if you have any questions, (772) 546-FACE (3223)
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