Care Of Your Nose After The Operation

Proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery following your rhinoplasty or sinus surgery. One of the most effective ways to promote healing is through regular nasal douching—aiming for at least six times a day. This practice helps to clear nasal passages, reduce crusting, and minimise the risk of infection.

Nasal Douching Instructions

  • Begin with Over-the-Counter Solutions: Most patients start with ‘FLO’ or ‘SINUS RINSE’ nasal sprays, available over the counter at chemists (or wholesale ordering with Mayne Code 286001). These saline sprays effectively moisturise and cleanse the nasal passages.
  • Prepare a Homemade Saline Solution: If you run out of the provided solution, you can make your own at home:
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 litre of tap water (boiled and cooled to room temperature)
      • 2 teaspoons of salt
      • 1 heaped teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking powder)
    • Method: Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a clean container. Use this solution for nasal irrigation as directed.

You’ll need to continue nasal douching for 6 weeks post-surgery to ensure optimal healing.

Important Post-Operative Instructions

  • Avoid Blowing Your Nose: If you’ve had sinus surgery, refrain from blowing your nose for seven days. Blowing your nose can cause bleeding and may increase swelling and bruising around the eyes.
  • Steam Inhalations: Avoid steam inhalations during the first week after your operation, as they can induce bleeding.
  • Septoplasty Care: If you’ve undergone a septoplasty (an operation to straighten the midline partition in the nose to improve breathing), it’s essential to remove crusts at the front of your nose daily. Use a cotton bud lubricated with Chlorsig ointment to clean these areas gently.

Activity Guidelines

  • Swimming: Swimming is beneficial for nasal healing after sinus or septal surgery, but you must wait until your nasal splints have been removed before taking a dip.
  • Exercise: Light activities such as walking the dog 60 minutes a day are generally acceptable but avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by Dr Dunlop. This is usually 12 days after surgery.

Managing Bleeding and Medications

  • Expect Minor Discharge: A small amount of blood-stained discharge is normal after nose and sinus surgery.
  • Avoid Certain Medications and Substances:
    • Do not take aspirin, Nurofen (ibuprofen), or consume alcohol for 2 weeks before and after your surgery (refer to General Instructions Prior to Surgery). These agents can thin your blood and increase the likelihood of bleeding.
    • Safe Alternatives: Panadol and Panadeine are safe options for pain relief.
  • In Case of Bleeding:
    • Immediate Actions: If your nose begins to bleed, sit quietly and apply ice (a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth works well) over the nose.
  • Seek Medical Attention: If bleeding does not settle promptly, attend the Accident and Emergency Department of the closest major hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions about Post-Operative Nose Care

It’s recommended to perform nasal douching at least six times daily to keep your nasal passages clear and promote healing. Keep this up for 6 weeks for the best healing.

Yes, as detailed above, you can prepare a homemade saline solution using boiled tap water, salt, and bicarbonate of soda.

You can consider swimming after your nasal splints have been removed. Light exercise such as walking may be resumed the day after surgery, but always consult with Dr Dunlop before resuming strenuous activities. Generally these are safe 12 days after surgery.

If bleeding occurs, sit quietly and apply ice over your nose. If it doesn’t stop, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital.

Panadol and Panadeine are safe options. Avoid aspirin, Nurofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Some swelling and bruising are normal and should subside over time. Keeping your head elevated and following care instructions can help reduce these symptoms.

Even if you haven’t had sinus surgery, avoiding vigorous nose blowing for at least 7 days after surgery. Gentle sniffing is acceptable.

Considering rhinoplasty or rhinoseptoplasty?

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