Do you have to do postoperative rest?
It is advisable to rest for the first 7 days or to do very quiet activities. No need to be in bed. For aerobic physical activities it is recommended to wait 3 weeks. For intense anaerobic activities it is better to wait a month.
Nasal bleeding
It is normal and expected during the first 72 hours. Replace the collection gauze (the one under the nose) as many times as necessary to maintain hygiene and avoid staining. When the bleeding and secretions cease, you can run out of gauze collection. Do not blow your nose for the first 15 days because it could cause nosebleeds. Instead, it can inspire deeply through the nose without risks.
Is tamponade placed inside the nose?
In most cases we DO NOT USE tamponade. In necessary cases, that is, when you have to make extensive changes in the septum, we can place very comfortable and flexible splints that allow ventilation, which can be removed normally on the 3rd day of the intervention. Likewise, during the first 10 days, the nose is quite obstructed by postoperative inflammation, scabs and secretions (it feels similar to a cold). The obstruction gradually subsides. Only after 30 days can the nose be considered completely unblocked.
How do I control bruising and swelling?
Edema and bruising increase and peak after 72 hours. 90% is resolved after 10 days. The swelling will be more pronounced during the morning hours. Sometimes the whole face is swollen up to the upper lip and jaw, it is normal. To help the resorption of bruising and local edema you can use the following tips:
- Elevating the head of the bed during 5 or 7 days improves the postoperative swelling.
- Avoid tilting your head or picking up objects from the floor, as well as making efforts.
- Normally we handle an anti-inflammatory medication which will be taken for 10 days after the operation.
Will there be pain?
Generally not. The postoperative period is not painful. Patients usually show discomfort and a feeling of nasal congestion. If there is pain you can take analgesics like ibuprofen or diclofenac.
Is Ferula placed?
A splint is placed in the nose in most cases and remains for a time between 6 and 15 days. Under the splint there are adhesive tapes that help to contain the swelling and reduce the edema. After removing the tapes, the skin will be more seborrheic, it can be cleaned with neutral soap once or twice and use moisturizing, astringent and keratolytic creams.
When can you sunbathe?
There are 2 moments. The first few days while there is visible bruising (even if it is minimal) it is essential to protect the skin from the sun, even from indirect sunlight. Stay in dark environments or place SPF 40 or higher, even inside the home. After the bruises are gone, it is recommended to wait one more month to expose yourself to the sun, but this is more for a matter of comfort and to avoid a feeling of swelling that sometimes occurs from early exposure.
Clean the holes and sutures
No need to do a special cleaning. If you want to clean, you can do it with a swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide, without pulling hard on the scabs to take care of the sutures. It is normal to have scabs and secretions for several days, sometimes with a little ugly odor, which only the patient perceives. Drops of saline can be placed in the holes to improve permeability.
Since when can I wear glasses?
The first 10 days after the operation can be used reading glasses and dark glasses because they are supported by the flexible external splint. After removing the flexible external splint, it is advisable not to wear glasses for a period of approximately 2 weeks. As for contact lenses, they can be used after three hours of surgery without inconvenience. In some cases, if ultra-light glasses are used, they can rest on a tape placed on the nasal dorsum after removing the splint, without complications.
When are the sutures removed?
The stitches are removed after 6 days, some sutures are left internally because the organism reabsorbs them without having to remove them.
Is there any postoperative food restriction?
Actually there are no restrictions, but it is advised to avoid excessive chewing (soft diet) and foods from natural to cold temperature the first week.
How do I bathe?
To bathe you have to manage not to wet the splint and ribbons of the nose. It is convenient to wash the head on one side and the body on the other. Avoid very hot water. Some patients choose to go to a hairdresser to wash their hair.
Who do I contact if I have a complication?
Dr. Campos maintains contact with all of his patients via email or telephone to be able to communicate at the required time in case of doubts or any situation outside the expected.
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