Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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You have had an operation on your nose and/or nasal septum to straighten twisted cartilage and bone to reposition it so that your nasal breathing is clearer, and/or to improve the shape of your nose.
Nasal Packs
These will be avoided if possible. However, if packs are necessary, absorbable biodegradable Nasopore will be used in most cases. These do not need to be removed, but dissolve, with regular nasal irrigation, over 5-10 days following surgery. Sometimes sponge packs are inserted to support the nasal septum and to stop nasal bleeding. These are usually removed later on the day of surgery (after4 – 6 hours) or on the following morning.
Nasal Splints
Rarely, you may have “septal splints” within the nose. These are thin sheets of soft plastic which lie on either side of the septum (the central partition wall). They are placed in the nose to prevent the septum from swelling too much and also to prevent scar tissue developing across the nasal cavity in the early post-operative period. These splints stay in place for one week and are removed as an out-patient. This is slightly uncomfortable, but is not usually painful.
External Nasal Dressing
Following rhinoplasty surgery, you will usually have an external nasal dressing which comprises self-adhesive paper strips combined with a “Denver splint”, which is a malleable aluminium and foam protective dressing. This stays in place for one week to hold the nasal bones in position. It also holds the skin and soft tissues down onto the bony skeleton of the nose to prevent soft tissue swelling and bruising. This will gently be removed at your first post-operative visit. Initially the underlying nasal skin will often be slightly puffy, bruised or creased by this dressing, but this settles quickly.
Post Operative Medication
Following rhinoplasty, and if nasal splints are in place, you may be given the following nasal treatments:
- Simple painkillers
- Saline nasal spray to wash and clean the nose. Use 3 – 4 times daily and blow the nose gently to clear blood clot and mucus.
- Decongestant nose drops – use three or four drops to either side of the nose, three or four times daily, as necessary. This will help to keep the nose clear whilst the splints are in place and give some usable nasal breathing.
- Antibiotics - These may be given for 7-10 days following nasal surgery to prevent any infection within the nasal cavity, or if you have nasal splints.
- Nasal cream - Naseptin cream is to be used three times daily, to each side of the nose, to prevent soreness and crusting around the sutures and incision.
General advice following rhinoplasty surgery
The main potential complication following rhinoplasty is nasal bleeding. This can be minimised by observing the following simple advice:
Avoid vigorous exercise for at least two weeks, e.g., sporting activity, gym training, running, fitness training, etc.
Avoid excessive general physical activity such as bending, stooping, lifting heavy objects, etc. (This includes household tasks such as carrying heavy shopping, gardening, etc.)
Rest as much as possible but try to sit upright or lie on a sofa with the head elevated to prevent the nose becoming swollen or blocked. You may wish to have a few extra pillows when you sleep in bed at night for the same reason.
Avoid close contact with friends and relatives with viral colds/flu-like illnesses.
Work
It is probably advisable to have 1-2 weeks off work because of the recommendations listed above. If necessary, you may be able to do some of your work from home; but commuting on busy public transport, long meetings in hot offices, using stairs and escalators and generally rushing about in the post-operative period should be avoided.
Normal gentle activity is permitted and if you feel well enough you can go for short walks, visit friends, go to a local park or into the garden, etc. - you do not need to be completely housebound!
Nasal Swelling
After removal of the nasal plaster/external dressing gently massage and moisturise the nose (with Nivea cream/E45 or similar) to reduce soft tissue swelling/bruising.
Sunburn
Please avoid exposure to strong sunlight/sunburn in the first 6-8 weeks following rhinoplasty surgery. If you are going away on holiday then protect the nasal and facial skin with a strong high factor sun cream. The skin will be more sensitive following this surgery, will burn more easily and will swell more noticeably if sunburn does occur.
If you need further advice, please contact the ENT Secretaries Monday - Friday on:
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/007
Approval date:
22 July 2024
Review date:
1 July 2026
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.