Nose surgery is like the tip of the iceberg. What happens in the operation room is only a small part of the procedure. The next couple of weeks are the most difficult part of the recovery period. Patients are advised to take at least ten days off because of this.
Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent any infection and after the bandage has been removed, a cooling mask will be applied from time to time to cool the eyelids and tissues about the nose. This will reduce swelling and have a calming effect upon your face.
After nose surgery, some people may experience headaches but fortunately they will not last long. Like any other part of the body that has undergone surgery, the nose is likely to bleed for a few days. That is why, in addition to the packing that the surgeon has inserted into your nostrils, you may have to wear a drip pad under your nose.
To ensure perfect healing and the desired shape of the nose, some doctors add external splints to your nose under the bandage. In this way your nose will get extra protection against potential damage caused by movement during sleep or accidental touching during the day.
After Nose Surgery
You will certainly experience swelling in the nose and eyes after surgery. Sometimes your whole face will be affected. You are advised to stay in bed for some days with your head in an elevated position to reduce swelling. When the packing and stitches have been removed, you will have to apply cold compresses for 20 minute periods – as frequently as you can.
However, slight swelling will be present for the months to come but it won’t be very annoying. Among the side-effects of such an operation we should also mention a dull ache in the nose and the feeling that myriads needles are pricking the tip of your nose.
It is also normal that you should feel a little depressed after the operation. This will most probably be triggered by the fear that the effect will not be the one that you have expected and consequently is not worth it. As you start looking better within a few weeks, this feeling will go away and your attitude will definitely improve.
There are some tips that patients who have undergone nose surgery will find useful: Avoid strenuous activity like jogging, swimming – practically everything that may increase blood pressure.
When cleaning your face, you must also be careful not to rub or hit your nose. Keep off the sun rays as well for at least two months and whenever you have to go out in the sun don’t forget to use sunscreen and wear a hat. If you wear glasses, you had better replace them with contact lenses as they will be too heavy for your nose to support.
Sneezing and blowing your nose is also dangerous during the first few weeks after the operation. Avoid blowing your nose and try sneezing out of it. Taking the doctor’s advice in every detail after such a procedure will ensure perfect healing and best results.