Patient Resources
Post-Operative Instructions : Septoplasty/Nasal/Sinus Surgery
DIET
Maintaining good nutrition after surgery allows proper healing to take place.
Start with liquids immediately after surgery, if liquids are well tolerated, progress gradually to a normal diet.
ACTIVITY
Sleeping/resting with your head slightly elevated the first 2-3 days after surgery helps
reduce the amount of swelling that may occur. Two pillows provide the proper
elevation. Sleeping with a room humidifier is also helpful. Avoid bending over, lifting, straining, coughing, blowing or sneezing through the nose, if possible during the first
two weeks after surgery.
POST OP CARE:
Some oozing of blood is normal and expected during the first 3-5 days after surgery. The small gauze bandage placed under the nose may be used to collect drainage and should be changed as it becomes saturated. Afrin spray can be used to control excessive bleeding or bloody drainage. If nasal packing or splints are present, they are to be left inside the nose and will be removed during a follow up visit scheduled 5 days after your surgery date.
You may have some nasal congestion, stuffiness and a headache for up to 7-10 days following your surgery. You may also experience a sore throat. Again, a room humidifier should help.
Start nasal irrigations 1 day after your surgery using the sinus rinse or ocean nasal spray. Instructions are as follows:
2 cups distilled water (body temperature)
1 teaspoon sea salt or canning salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Using the bulb syringe, gently irrigate both sides of the nose. Do the irrigation every 2-3 hours while awake. Use 1-2 bulbs per side.
Have a responsible adult stay with you the first 24 hours after your surgery.
Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate dangerous equipment for 24 hours after an anesthetic or while you are taking narcotic pain medication.
WARNING SIGNS: Call Dr Varela’s office in case of any of the following occur:
- Significant change in vision/double vision
- Eye pain/bruising or swelling around the eye area
- Sustained fever over 101 degrees
- Severe pain not relieved by pain medication
- Persistent nausea and vomiting lasting 24 hours
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal or persistent bleeding
If you have any questions or need to speak to anyone before or after hours please call the office at (503) 513-8693, option 4 and you will be transferred to our 24 hour answering service who will reach the doctor on call for your emergency.
If you aren’t sure if you have scheduled a post operative appointment, please call the office the day after you r surgery so we can make sure you are on the schedule for the splint removal 5 days later.