Edward D. Buckingham, M.D.
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Rhinoplasty Instruction Sheet
| PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LIST OF INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY TO MINIMIZE ANY ADVERSE SURGICAL OUTCOMES. IF YOU SHOULD HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK US. |
Before your surgery:
Please follow all the preoperative instructions outlined in the Preoperative Instruction Sheet carefully. Avoid any aspirin-containing or aspirin-related products as well as herbal medications and nutritional supplements as outlined in the Preoperative Instruction Sheet.
Items needed for post-operative care: Hydrogen Peroxide, Polysporin Ointment, Afrin Nasal Spray, Saline (plain) nasal spray, Q-tips, small gauze pads, first aid tape
After your surgery:
1. Please follow the Post-operative Instruction Sheet carefully.
2. Do not blow your nose until instructed. Wipe or dab the nose gently with Kleenex if necessary. You may clean around the nostril area gently with a Q-tip and hydrogen peroxide.
3. Your throat will feel slightly numb following surgery. The Doctor uses a medication in the nose that sometimes drips down into the throat. After surgery be careful when swallowing fluids. Take small sips of water to make sure fluids go down okay. Also eat soft foods or nutritional drinks after surgery as long as your stomach is okay.
4. Change the dressing under the nose (if present) as needed. Once drainage has stopped it is no longer necessary to wear the dressing that has been placed under your nose.
5. You may use an ice pack or iced gauze pads over your eyes for the first 24-48 hours to help reduce swelling. If you use iced gauze pads, Ring them out well as the splint must not get wet. After 48 hours ice will no longer help for swelling.
6. A dressing will also be placed in each nostril. Unless I instruct you otherwise, the dressing in each nostril should be removed the morning following surgery. Be sure you are in a sitting position and in front of a mirror. Grasping the dressing between your thumb and index finger remove the dressing. Repeat these instructions for the opposite side. If you have any bleeding spray Afrin gently into each nostril and keep head elevated; it will usually stop in a few minutes, if not call.
7. You may clean the external part of the nostrils with a Q-tip and hydrogen peroxide. If you have an incision in the skin across the base of your nose gently clean this as well. You may apply polysporin ointment to the external incision and gently to the outside part of the nostrils. You may also use saline nasal spray to hydrate the inside of the nose.
8. You may use Afrin nasal spray gently in each nostril once per day prior to bed. This will help with nasal breathing and make sleeping more comfortable. Do not use more than once per day.
9. Begin taking your antibiotic as prescribed. This medication should be taken with food or it can cause you to become nauseous.
10. Avoid extreme physical activity. Obtain more rest than you would normally get and avoid exertion, including athletic events and intercourse for one week.
11. Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulating the upper lip to keep the nose at rest.
12. You may wash your face carefully with a soft cloth avoiding the dressing. Take tub baths until the splint/nasal dressing is removed.
13. Sleep on your back with your head elevated on at least two big pillows. If a recliner is available this is even better. Elevation reduces swelling.
14. Do not wash your hair for one week, unless you have someone do it for your. Do not get the splint/nasal dressing wet.
15. Absolutely avoid spending time in the sun, sunbathing, or sunlamps for six weeks following surgery. Heat may cause the nose to swell. If you are to go out in the sun, you must wear a wide- brim hat and apply sunscreen spf 15 every two hours.
16. At your one-week postoperative visit the outer splint will be removed. I advise patients to shower the morning of their postoperative visit getting the entire splint wet. This helps to slide the splint off easily with no discomfort.
17. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES! If you are concerned about anything you consider significant, please call me during business hours at 512-401-2500 or 866-451-2500.
Edward D. Buckingham, M.D.
