After Septorhinoplasty

After your surgery

After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours-your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Harriman. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.

You’ll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so.

A little bloody drainage is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Avoid blowing  your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.  

Dr. Harriman uses techniques to minimize packing and most patients do not need nasal packing. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you’ll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

Getting back to normal

Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work 1-2 weeks or so following surgery.  It will be several weeks, however, before you’re entirely up to speed.

Dr. Harriman will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They’re likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations-any activity that increases your blood pressure) for two to three weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics. Avoid wearing glasses that rest on bridge of nose for 3 weeks- contact lenses are a better option as the nose heals. 

Dr. Harriman will schedule follow-up visit in after surgery, to check on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to call . 

If you have any questions, please call our offices.