After the procedure, you may be given dissolvable suture, packing to halt the bleeding, or splints to keep the tissues inside your nose in place. Typically, packing is removed between 24 and 36 hours after surgery. Splints can be retained in place for up to two weeks. On the other side, you may experience swelling in your face for 2 to 3 days following surgery, and your nose may drip and bleed slightly for 2 to 5 days. Furthermore, you may get numbness in your nose, cheeks, and upper lip.
On the other hand, you will be responsible for your healing process, and here are the list of certain elements that is necessary and beneficial for your nasal care after a nasal septum operation;
- Do not massage or touch your nose.
- Try not to blow your nose.
- You may go outside a few days following surgery, but do not spend more than 15 minutes in the sun.
- For at least 24 hours after surgery, you should not drive, use machinery, consume alcohol, or make any big decisions. Your anesthesia may make you drowsy and make it difficult for you to think straight. The effects should last about 24 hours.
- To relieve pain and swelling, apply cold packs to your nose and eye area, but keep your nose dry. A clean, dry cloth or tiny towel should be used to cover the ice pack. Sleeping with your head supported up on two pillows will also help to minimize edema.
- Do not take a bath or a shower for the next 24 hours. If necessary, your nurse will explain to you how to clean your nose with Q-tips and hydrogen peroxide or similar cleaning solution.
- Limit actions that could cause you to fall or increase the pressure on your face. Bending over, holding your breath, and contracting muscles during bowel movements are just a few examples. For 1 to 2 weeks, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical exercise.
- As instructed, follow up with your physician. Stitches may need to be removed. Your provider will want to check on your progress.
To sum up, the first responsibility is on your surgeon’s shoulders, nevertheless, you will be in control of caring for yourself after the surgery.
Should I clean my nose after septoplasty?
For three days, don’t blow your nose at all. After then, you blow through both sides at the same time, but do not squeeze one side. On the other hand, when you feel okay, you can clean the outside of your nose and upper lip with cotton-tipped applicators wet with hydrogen peroxide, but don’t massage too hard. Dried blood in the nose can also be gently cleansed and removed with a Q-tip.
Furthermore, if your doctor recommends it, Vaseline or antibiotic ointment can be put to the inside of the nostrils and the outside incision. Vaseline softens crusts and makes the inside of the nose feel healthier.
How often should you irrigate your nose after septoplasty?
You should start to irrigate your nose the day after surgery; irrigation must be performed at least 3 times daily for around 3 weeks. Doctors say that nose irrigation is essential to the healing process since it removes the crusts, which shape as the nasal tissue heals and prevents scarring within the nose. Therefore, there is no harm in irrigating your nose more frequently. You can use distilled or sterile water that can be found at any grocery store to perform nose irrigation, which mainly prevents the thick blood-tinged mucous plugs from packing in the nasal passages.
References:
https://ent-specialist.org/septoplasty-turbinate-reduction-nasal-fracture-repair-post-op/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000246.htm
