Your comfort and safety during recovery are our highest priority. This guide has been prepared to help you navigate each stage of your healing journey with clarity and confidence. Please read it carefully and keep it close throughout your recovery — our team is always available should any questions arise.
Preparing for Your Procedure
One Week Before
- Refrain from alcohol for at least 3 days before and after surgery.
- Confirm all required laboratory work and blood tests have been completed and sent to our office. Fax: 855-506-2309.
- Fill any prescribed medications so they are ready at home before your procedure date.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Vitamin E, and any blood-thinning supplements unless otherwise directed. Tylenol is acceptable.
- Refrain from all nicotine and tobacco products. Nicotine impairs circulation and healing and increases anesthesia risk.
The Evening Before
- Our team will contact you to confirm your arrival time.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight — this includes water, breath mints, and gum. Failure to fast may result in cancellation of your procedure, as a fasting state is required for safe sedation.
- The only exception is prescribed medication; take it with the smallest sip of water the morning of surgery as instructed.
Morning of Surgery
- Shower and shampoo thoroughly before arriving.
- Do not apply makeup, hair products, gels, or nail polish. Acrylic nails may remain.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and flat, easy-to-slip-on footwear.
- Leave all jewelry, body piercings, and valuables at home.
- If you are currently menstruating, please wear a pad rather than a tampon.
- Please make sure you have a responsible adult picking you up when surgery if completed.
The First Week
Rest & Head Elevation
- Keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows at all times, including during sleep, for the first week. Elevation is one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling around the nose and eyes.
- Avoid lying on your side. Sleep on your back throughout the initial recovery period.
- Take slow, deep breaths through your mouth often during the first 24 hours at home. This helps expand the lungs after anesthesia.
- Keep your emotions calm. Crying, emotional outbursts, and significant facial expression can increase swelling and risk of bleeding.
Activity Restrictions
- Limit your activity sharply during the first week. Walking around the home is encouraged. Pump your legs frequently while lying down to prevent blood clots.
- Avoid all bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, straining, and aerobic activity for 3 weeks.
- Gradually return to exercise at 3 weeks; reach full activity by 5–6 weeks.
- Avoid contact sports and semi-contact sports for 4–6 months following surgery. The nasal bones require 6 full weeks to heal completely.
- Full swimming may resume after 6 weeks.
- Do not drive for 24 hours after surgery or while taking narcotic pain medication.
Nasal Care & Cast Instructions
Cast Care
- Your nasal cast must remain completely dry until it is removed at your 7-day post-operative appointment. Do not shower while the cast is in place — you may bathe carefully, washing your face with a mild cleanser and cotton pads while keeping the cast dry.
- When the cast is removed, the nose will appear swollen and the tip may seem slightly elevated. This is completely normal and will settle over the following days and weeks.
Nasal Hygiene
- Change the gauze drip-pad under your nose as needed. Up to a dozen changes in the first 24 hours is normal.
- It is normal to have some nasal bleeding and a pinkish discharge for the first 3–4 days.
- Do not blow your nose or sniff forcefully. If you need to sneeze, open your mouth wide to release pressure.
- Do not insert Q-tips or tissues into your nose in an attempt to clean it.
- Once packing is removed, use nasal saline mist every 1–2 hours while awake for 2–3 weeks to prevent dryness and crusting. This is available over the counter.
- Nasal exercises may be prescribed at your post-operative appointments to maintain alignment and minimize scar tissue formation.
Incision Care
- If you have external sutures, clean them gently with hydrogen peroxide and apply bacitracin ointment twice daily.
- Sutures are removed at your 7-day post-operative visit.
Pain, Swelling & Long-Term Healing
What to Expect
- Most patients find nasal congestion and sinus pressure more uncomfortable than pain. Any pain should be well-controlled by prescribed medication; after the first day, Tylenol may be sufficient.
- Swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks are variable but normal. They typically peak at 48 hours and subside over the following 5–7 days.
- Expect nasal passages to remain congested from swelling for at least 2 weeks. A humidifier near your bed can make breathing through your mouth more comfortable during sleep.
- If profuse nasal bleeding occurs after the first day, lie down with your head elevated, apply iced cloths to the back of the neck and over the eyes, and call our office if bleeding does not subside.
Healing Timeline
- The nasal bones take 6 full weeks to fully heal. The nose will continue to refine for 6 to 12 months following surgery as deep swelling gradually resolves.
- Do not evaluate your final result before this time. The tip, in particular, is often the last area to fully refine.
Sun & Lifestyle Protection
- Avoid direct sun exposure to the nose for at least 1 year. Even mild sunburn can cause prolonged swelling or redness of healing tissue.
- Apply unscented zinc oxide SPF 30+ if you will be outdoors.
- Smoking must be strictly avoided. Nicotine impairs blood supply to healing tissues and directly compromises your surgical outcome.
Contact Our Office Immediately If You Experience Any of the Following:
- Fever above 101°F
- Pain that is not adequately relieved by prescribed medication
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision site
- Bleeding that saturates your dressings
- Foul-smelling or unusual discharge
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or any other symptom that concerns you
When in doubt, please call. We would always rather hear from you.
