| Dr. Dimitrijevic's postoperative
instructions for rhinoplasty
1. Swelling and black-and-blue discoloration around the
eyes are likely and be worse between 48 hours to 72 hours
following surgery. This is not a cause for worry.
2. There is a plastic, flexible splint inside each nostril.
There is a plastic rigid splint over the nose. DO NOT attempt
to remove these splints. They will be taken out at your first
follow-up appointment.
3. Take medications as directed. Do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory
medications (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Alleve) or Vitamin E supplements
for 2 weeks after surgery.
4. No driving while under narcotic medications for pain.
5. Ask Dr. Dimitrijevic in your first follow-up visit regarding going
back to work.
6. You should sleep on your back with your head elevated
on 2 pillows for 1 week following surgery.
7. Avoid alcohol or cigarette smoking for at least 3 weeks
following surgery.
8. Call and make a follow-up appointment for 7 days following
surgery.
9. You may have bleeding and drainage from your nose. This
will slowly stop. You can change the gauze under your nose
as needed.
10. Apply cold packs to your eyes to help with the swelling.
11. You can sponge bathe your body and face. Avoid soap
and water around the nose, the splint and the packing.
12. Do not allow glasses to rest on your nose for 3 weeks
following surgery. Glasses may be secured by taping the bridge
to your forehead. Do not wear contact lenses for 7 days after
surgery.
13. Your nose will be “stuffed up” after surgery. Try breathing
through only your mouth. The stuffiness will improve with
time.
14. DO NOT put anything inside your nose. DO NOT blow your
nose for 2 weeks.
15. Use antiseptic mouthwash and brush teeth very gently.
16. DO NOT blow your nose or use any medications to clear
your nose.
17. You can clean the suture line over the nose gently using
peroxide and a Q-tip to loosen up the crusting. DO NOT try
to pick the crusting off forcefully.
18. Keep your incision out of the sun. Sun exposure will
make your scars red, raised, and persistently irritated for
a long period of time. Make every effort to avoid the sun
for up to 1 year following surgery. You can cover up the incision
with sun screen (SPF 15 or above) or clothing.
19. You may return to normal activity and exercise at 3
weeks following surgery.
20. You may return to normal activity and exercise at 3
weeks following surgery.
21. Call with any questions or concerns. Dr. Dimitrijevic is available
through the office phone number 24/7. Don’t ever feel badly
about calling.
|
