Septoplasty

POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS - SEPTOPLASTY

CALL YOUR SURGEON DURING OFFICE HOURS OR GO TO THE NEAREAST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF:

1. You have a temperature over 38.5C or 101.3F.

2. Your pain is unrelieved by your pain medication.

3. You have excessive drainage/bleeding that soaks through the moustache dressing in less than 1 hour.

Diet

Resume regular diet as tolerated. Increase fluids to relieve dry throat from mouth breathing.

Activity

Avoid exercise and extremes in temperature for 2 weeks.

Avoid bending and lifting as this can cause nose bleeds.

Sleep with your head elevated for 3 days after surgery.

Medications

Take pain medication as prescribed or take 1-2 Acetaminophen tablets (i.e. Tylenol) every 4 hours as needed.

DO NOT take ASA compounds (i.e. Aspirin, Bayer) for 7 days. You may be sent home on oral antibiotics and/or sinus rinse. Use as directed.

Hygiene

Bathe as usual.

Dressing

A gauze pad and tape ('moustache dressing') will be placed under your nose. Change the moustache dressing as needed and remove when nasal drainage stops.

Social

Your surgeon will advise you when you may return to work/school and your routine activities.

Other

Do not clear or blow your nose for 5 days. Open your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Do not rub or push on nose.

Special Instructions

Use NeilMed nasal rinses three times daily starting on the first day after surgery. A silastic stent will be removed at your post-op appointment.

Follow up

Arrange a follow -up appointment with your surgeon as instructed. Normally 1-2 weeks after your surgery.