Post-Operative Instructions

For Nasal & Sinus Surgery

If you’re having external or nasal surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Monica Tadros’ post-op instructions to ensure proper healing after your procedure.

What To Do After
Your Procedure

  • Elevate your head off the bed 30 degrees with pillows to decrease swelling.
  • If you’ve had external nasal surgery, ice compresses should be applied gently over your eye area for 24 hours as tolerated. We recommend purchasing a few small bags of frozen peas. These work well to drape over the eyes and cast while at home. After each use, you can refreeze the bags for future use.
  • If you have a nasal splint, keep it dry and clean. You may bathe or shower from the neck down, but keep the splint dry. If you do not have an external splint, you may shower normally.
  • Dr. Tadros does not ordinarily use nasal packing. Accordingly, some bleeding is normal following nasal surgery.
  • Use Simply Saline Spray several times a day to help clear clots and clean the nose.
  • As per the box instructions, add distilled or bottled water to the Vicks Personal Electric Steam Inhaler. You can purchase one at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Amazon, with an average price of $35.00. Use it several times a day for comfort.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid strenuous activity and bending for two weeks.
  • You can insert contact lenses the day after surgery if your eyes don’t feel dry. However, if you’ve had external nasal surgery, contact lenses should be AVOIDED while the external splint is in place. You may wear glasses over an external splint after rhinoplasty. Once the external cast has been removed, glasses should be AVOIDED until Dr. Tadros clears you to wear them.
  • Avoid sun exposure and heat as much as possible, and do not drive while taking pain medications or sedatives.
  • NO FACIALS OR COMPRESSION of the nose area for SIX MONTHS AFTER SURGERY.

Post-Surgery Diet

  • Begin with bland foods to minimize nausea (clear liquids, broths, etc.), and slowly advance to a regular diet as tolerated.
  • A low-salt diet will help decrease swelling and inflammation
  • Avoid alcohol for two weeks after surgery will help facilitate healing and decrease your risk of bleeding.
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Post-Surgery Medications

  • Take medications as directed on your prescription bottle. You will likely be prescribed an antibiotic to prevent infection, a pain medication to use as needed, and an anti-inflammatory to help with the swelling.
  • If pain is mild, you may substitute Extra Strength Tylenol according to the manufacturer's directions instead of the prescription pain medications.
  • Occasionally, you may encounter a sore throat due to anesthesia. Lozenges, such as Cepacol, can help to relieve temporary discomfort.
  • Saline spray is a sterile saline nasal solution that you should spray twice in each nostril as often as possible. This solution is very effective in lubricating your nose and can be used whenever you feel dry.