Rhinoplasty
You can drive about a week after surgery when you are no longer taking pain medicine.
Your first visit will be 5 days after surgery to remove your stitches and outer splint. You will need a ride to this first follow-up visit.
This is normal and usually goes away in 1-2 days.
You can take a shower 48 hours after surgery. You may take the bandage on the top of your lip off before showering.
You can wear reading glasses and sunglasses 2 weeks after surgery.
Two weeks prior to surgery, you will need to stop taking medications that cause bleeding such as Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, and Ibuprofen. There is a longer, more detailed list of medications that should be stopped including herbal medications that will be given to you by Dr. Grawe at your pre-op visit.
The outer splint and stitches will be removed 5 days after surgery. The inner splint is usually removed about 2 weeks after surgery.
After any type of anesthesia (general or IV sedation/twilight sleep), it is recommended that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. You will need a ride home from surgery also. If you do not have someone to stay with you, you may use our Home Care Concierge Service (link to http://www.homecareconcierge.net/). This service can be set up for you during your pre-operative planning visit.t.
You will be given an IV antibiotic at the time of surgery and will be continued on oral antibiotics for a week after surgery.
Some bleeding is expected after nasal surgery. You should change the dressing on your upper lip as needed, and anticipate that this will be necessary for 1-2 days after surgery. If you have severe bleeding, lightheadedness, or are worried, you can call the office for immediate help (614)764-7699 at any time.
Dr. Grawe will prescribe you all the medications you need after surgery. This will include an anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication, and antibiotics. Some patients take Colace, a stool softener while they are on pain medication so that they do not get constipated.
The initial swelling lasts about 5-7 days. There will be a little bit of swelling for the next few months. There is a tiny bit of swelling for about a year. This is not noticeable but any revision surgery cannot be done for a year or more due to this tiny bit of swelling.tipated.
Soak compresses in ice water, wring them out and place them over your eyes. You can also use frozen peas in plastic baggies over your eyes. Arnica Montana is an herb that decreases facial swelling and bruising and can be started prior to surgery and taken the week after surgery. This can be purchased at the office anytime.
You should avoid blowing your nose for the first week after the splint is removed. You should also attempt to sneeze with your mouth open when possible.
You can begin to wear make-up and lotions after your first follow-up visit, after the stitches and splints are removed.
You may swim in a pool 2 weeks after surgery. You should avoid swimming in a lake for 6 weeks after surgery. You should avoid diving for 3 months after surgery. You should wear a strong sun-block on your nose while it is healing to avoid problems with your scar.