Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

After the Rhinoplasty Procedure

The procedure itself will take approximately 1 to 3 hours.

AFTER SURGERY

It is very important not to become nauseated after surgery and/or vomit. To prevent this take Zofran as directed.
Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. Discomfort during recovery is often a sign of overexertion.
Rest and sleep in a reclined position at approximately 45 degrees. Use ice packs, bags of frozen finely broken-up peas or corn constantly for at least the first 3 days, 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. Do not put ice directly onto skin because you will have decreased sensitivity.
Dr. Cruise or his nurse will typically remove the nasal packing the next day. Take 2 Sudafed one hour prior to the visit. Bring Afrin to the office visit.
On the first post-op day you may shower with cool water, gently wash your hair, apply generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing.
Avoid direct exposure of the incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You may take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
Do not put any ointments or creams on incision lines unless instructed by Dr. Cruise. You should start applying ScarLess® on your incisions seven days after surgery. ScarLess® is a prescription strength cream with vitamin E, silicone and hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scars. You can purchase ScarLess® at our office.
Do not do any strenuous aerobic activity for 4 weeks after surgery. Avoid contact sports for 8 weeks.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

Immediately after surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
Post surgical swelling may temporarily cause the look of unevenness, skin changes, hard spots, and ridges.
Most bruising will fade after the second week. After the first week much of the remaining discoloration can be concealed with a cream-based cosmetic.
Most stitches will dissolve within 7 days.
Nasal splint will be removed at the office visit one week after surgery.
Your healing incision lines may itch a little. Avoid scratching them. Apply hydrocortisone.
Pink scars will eventually fade to an unnoticeable color.
You may experience some numbness for up to one year. Remember not to put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.
The nasal tip takes 1 to 2 years for all swelling to completely go away and the sensation to return to normal.

WHEN TO CALL US

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101 or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, calf pain, or if you just feel that something might be wrong. Please call the office@ 949-644-4808 within regular business hours, or page Dr. Cruise after business hours @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY

Concern	Instructions

Blood Clot	It is important to walk at least every 2 hours while you're awake to prevent blood clotting. Do not overdo it. Right after surgery you will be instructed to walk around every 1 hour. Avoid stairs. Pay specific attention to leg swelling. If you notice leg swelling (even if it's only on one leg) or calf pain contact the office.
Constipation	If you are constipated at day 2, stop taking Vicodin or Darvocet. Walk, drink a lot of fluids, and consider taking a laxative (Ex-lax or Correctol).
Fever	Make sure to cough and take deep breaths as fever is usually in the lungs for the first 3 days after surgery.
Splint	Nasal splint typically remains in place for about one week. Nasal packing is typically removed at first post-operative day. If septal work is done, intranasal splint may be necessary for up to one week. With nasal deviation intranasal splint may stay in place for 3 weeks.
Activity	You can take a cool shower the day after. Apply generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing. Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours. Sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first 5 nights. If exercise hurts, don't do it. Wait for your body to tell you what you can do. You can start exercising at about 4 weeks. No contact sports for 8 weeks.
Wound Care	Nasal packing is usually removed at first post-op visit. Gauze is typically required under the nose for the first 24 to 48 hours. Begin gently cleaning inside of nose with a Q-tip and hydrogen peroxide at post-op day 2. Do not try to get all clot out at first. Keep surgical area clean and dry at all times. Start applying ScarLess® at one week.

Rhinoplasty / Nose Cosmetic Surgery Information Resource for Southern California including Newport Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Beverly Hills.