Prior to Surgery:

It is important to stop taking aspirin two weeks prior to the surgery, and ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Nuprin®, etc.) and Aleve® one week prior to the surgery.

The night before surgery, do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight.  If the patient has been instructed otherwise during their pre-admission testing appointment, follow those instructions.

What to Expect:

• The patient may feel a moderate amount of pain, pressure and discomfort in their nose, face and eyes. The nose will feel congested and clogged.  Pain medicine may be prescribed, or the patient may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®), up to 100mg every four hours as needed for pain.  Do not combine Tylenol and the prescription pain medicine.
• There may be a moderate amount of drainage (red, pink, brown) from the nose and/or down the back of the throat.  If bleeding is persistent or becomes heavy, please call the office.
• If splints have been used, there may be the sense that these reach to the back of the throat. The splints have been sutured into place and will not break free. They will be removed during the first post-operative visit in the office. Some of the other packing may break free. They will be removed during the first post-operative visit in the office.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed, and should be used as directed.
• Afrin Nasal Spray® may be prescribed and should be used as directed for three days ONLY. This reduces the amount of bleeding.  It does not open up the nasal passages at this time.
• Purchase Saline® or Ocean Nasal Spray® for use when directed by the surgeon.
• Apply Vaseline® to the front of the nose, around the nostrils once to twice a day to reduce crusting and scabbing.

Restrictions:

• The patient must not blow their nose. The surgeon will let the patient know at their first post-operative visit when this is permitted. Gently dab away mucous that drips from the nose with minimal side-to-side pressure.
• For the first two nights after surgery, the patient should sleep with their head elevated on two to three pillows.
• When the need to sneeze arises, do this with the mouth wide open. This prevents excess pressure on the nose and sinuses. Try to avoid sneezing by staying away from respiratory tract irritants such as smoke, dust, aerosol sprays, powder and strong fumes.
• There are no dietary restrictions. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water.
• For the first two nights after surgery, do not lie flat. Sleep with the head elevated on three pillows or in a recliner with head elevated at a 45-degree angle. After that, the patient may lie flat.
• For the first two weeks after surgery, bending from the waist, straining, heave lifting (over 10-15 pounds) is prohibited. Driving is prohibited while taking prescription pain medications.
• Aspirin and aspirin-containing products should be avoided for ten days after surgery.
• Follow-up in our office for the post-operative appointment as scheduled, or please call to make this appointment.

Please call 610-374-5599 with any questions or concerns.