HOW LONG DO I NEED TO BE OFF WORK?
Most patients require about 2 weeks of time off work or school. This will vary to some extent depending on exactly what work you do. It is important to take time off and rest in the first few weeks to allow for proper healing. Too much activity may result in bleeding and increased swelling which will negatively influence wound healing and could affect your final result.
WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO THE GYM OR PLAY SPORTS?
You should avoid all strenuous activities including brisk walking, going to the gym, and sports for 2 weeks. You can begin brisk walking, gentle running and some activities in the gym after 2 weeks, being careful to increase your activity gradually. Listen to your body. Mild increase in swelling may result after activity. Avoid contact sports like basketball, skiing, hockey for at least 2 months. Your nose will be more fragile during this period of time
HOW MUCH PAIN SHOULD I EXPECT?
You only need to take meds for pain if you require something to help you manage. Many patients have only mild pain and don’t take any meds for pain. Regular Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be sufficient. Dr Strecker will have given you a prescription for Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen with codeine) which can be taken for a few days if necessary.
USING ICE AND COLD COMPRESSES FOR SWELLING
It is very helpful to use ice and cold compresses in the first 2-3 days to reduce swelling and bruising after the surgery. There are several ways you can do this:
a) Put some crushed ice in a snack size Ziploc bag and place this across the cast and over the cheeks.
b) Put some ice in a clean bowl and add water to make ice water. Soak a small cloth or paper towel, wring it out, and place it across the cast and cheek area
Leave the ice/compresses on for 10-15 min at a time and then take it off for a while; repeat.
Don’t use large ice packs or bags of peas from the freezer
CAN I BLOW MY NOSE?
Avoid blowing your nose for the first week after surgery. Using saline rinses with a NetiPot can be helpful to remove secretions and blood from your nostrils if necessary. If you are able to, breathing through your nose is fine; swelling may result in some difficulty breathing through your nose during the first week
WHY WAS I GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS?
Antibiotics are given prior to and after surgery to reduce the likelihood of developing an infection after surgery. If you have any concerns about taking the antibiotics, contact Dr Strecker and he can discuss further
WHY DO I HAVE A SORE THROAT AFTER SURGERY?
There are two common reasons for having a sore throat after nasal surgery.
a) There was a tube in your throat to help you breathe while you were asleep; this can result in some irritation and discomfort which usually resolves in 2-3 days
b) There may be excess mucous and a bit of blood draining from your nose down the back of your throat. Salt water rinses can help reduce this
HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF THE STITCHES UNDER MY NOSE?
The most important thing to do is to apply Polysporin Ointment to the stiches 3-4x per day. There are usually stitches between the nostrils as well as just inside the nostrils. These will dissolve after about one week and don’t require removal. The area can be GENTLY cleaned with clean water and a q-tip several times a day but be careful not to pull on and disturb the stitches.
IS THERE ANY PACKING INSIDE MY NOSE?
There is no packing in the nose. Often there are small, thin silastic splints in the nostrils which are removed about one week after surgery. These splints may feel mildly uncomfortable or exert a bit of pressure. Do not try to remove them as they are stitched in place.
WHY CAN MY CROOKED NOSE NOT BE MADE COMPLETELY STRAIGHT?
It can be challenging to make a crooked nose straight. Dr Strecker will indicate to you how much change can be obtained. The reasons that the nose may not be completely straight include the following:
a) There are often pre existing facial asymmetries; nasal tissues may not be even
b) Tissues can shift after nasal surgery; the nose may be straight immediately following surgery but tissues can shift during the healing phase
c) Some tissues of the nose, like the cartilage, are often difficult to work with and reshape precisely the way that we would like