Nasal surgery: aftercare advice

You have had nasal (nose) surgery. This leaflet explains what you can expect in the days / weeks following your surgery, and what you should do to look after yourself and your wound.

For the first 48 hours after your operation

• If you have had a general anaesthetic avoid alcohol, smoking, or taking sleeping tablets for 24 hours after your operation.

• If you have had a general anaesthetic arrange for someone to collect you from hospital and look after you for the first 24 hours after your operation.

• If you have had a general anaesthetic do not drive, cook, or operate any machinery for 24 to 48 hours after your operation.

• You must rest for 24 to 48 hours after your operation.

• Take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor (avoid aspirin as it may cause bleeding, unless it has been prescribed by your doctor). If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take the full course.

• Eat and drink as you wish, but avoid hot foods; allow food and drink to cool before you eat / drink them.

• Avoid hot showers and baths.

• Drink plenty of water, as you will be dehydrated after your operation.

• If you need to sneeze, sneeze freely but avoid blowing your nose.

For the first week after your operation

• Avoid any strenuous work or exercise. Gradually build-up your activity levels over the first seven to 10 days.

• To prevent infection, you should avoid any large crowds and any dusty smoky places.

• Do not blow your nose. Instead douche (spray / wash) your nose with an alkaline solution (sinus rinse) such as Neilmed, Sinurinse, or a self-made solution. There are instructions on how to make your own sinus rinse at home at the end of this leaflet.

• Use any nasal drops, sprays, or creams that have been prescribed for you on discharge from hospital. Do not use any of your usual nasal sprays; your doctor will tell you when you can start using these again.

• Blood-stained discharge and light bleeding is normal. If the bleeding continues, pinch the soft part of your nose with your forefinger and thumb and lean forward over a bowl or sink, and spit out any blood or clots. It can be useful to place an ice pack (such as frozen peas) over the bridge of your nose and / or the back of your neck. If the bleeding does not stop, go to your nearest Emergency Department.

• If your pain is not controlled with simple painkillers (such as paracetamol and / or ibuprofen), please contact Day Surgery (see contact details at the end of this leaflet).

• You should plan to be off work for two weeks following your surgery. If you work from home, you may feel up to returning to work after one week.

For the first 2 to 6 weeks after your operation

• Your nose will continue to heal. It can feel blocked for up to six weeks after surgery, until it is fully healed.

• Most stitches are dissolvable (unless your surgeon tells you otherwise), and should start to disappear two to three weeks after your operation.

• If a plastic splint has been placed inside your nose to prevent abnormal scar tissue (adhesions) from forming, then we will make an outpatient appointment for you to have it removed seven to 10 days after your surgery.

• You can begin to exercise two weeks after surgery. Slowly build-up from walking to jogging before returning to your usual exercise routine. Some people take longer to heal, so if in doubt let your nose heal fully before doing any strenuous activity.

• Air travel should be avoided until your nose in fully healed, as the air in the cabin can dry out your nose and cause bleeding.

• Avoid any travel far from home until your nose is fully healed, in case there are any problems and you need medical attention.

• Avoid swimming and diving until your nose has fully healed.

Steam inhalation

1. Put a large container on a table, such as a washing-up bowl.

2. Pour three pints of boiling water into the bowl. Do this slowly and carefully to avoid splashing the hot water on yourself.

3. Sit down in front of the bowl with a towel over your shoulders.

4. Pull the towel over your head to form a ‘tent’ over the bowl.

5. Breathe the steam in through your nose and out through your mouth for at least five minutes. This needs to be done two to three times a day for four to six weeks.

1. 
   1.
2. 
   2.
3. 
   3.
4. 
   4 and 5.

What if I have any questions or concerns?

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Day Surgery (on the numbers below) or your GP.

• Canterbury Day Surgery Centre, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury
  Telephone: 01227 783114 (7.30am to 8pm)
  Telephone: 07887 687645 (8pm to 7.30am)

• Day Surgery Unit, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate
  Telephone: 01843 234499 (7.30am to 8pm)
  Telephone: 07887 651162 (8pm to 7.30am)

• Channel Day Surgery, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
  Telephone: 01233 616263 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)