|
After The Surgery
After surgery, especially during the first
twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy,
your nose may ache, and you may have a dull
headache. You can control any discomfort
with the pain medication prescribed by the
surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your
head elevated for the first day.You will
notice that the swelling and bruising around
your eyes will increase at first, reaching
a peak after two or three days. Applying
cold compresses will reduce this swelling
and make you feel a bit better. Most of
the swelling and bruising should disappear
within two weeks.Minor bleeding is common
during the first few days following surgery,
and you may continue to feel some stuffiness
for several weeks. The surgeon will ask
you not to blow your nose for a week or
so, while the tissues heal. After 7 to 10
days, all dressings and stitches will be
removed.Most rhinoplasty patients are up
and about within two days, and able to return
to school or work a week following surgery.
Dr. Tavoussi will give you specific guidelines
for gradually resuming your normal activities,
but generally you should avoid strenuous
activities for two to three weeks. You should
also avoid hitting or rubbing your nose,
or getting it sunburned. Be gentle when
washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.
Day by day, your nose will begin to look
better and your spirits will improve. Even
though it will take months for the final
results to emerge, you will be able to enjoy
your new look a week or two after surgery.
You should also keep in mind right after
surgery:
- It is very important not to become nauseated
after surgery and/or vomit. To prevent
this take medicine as you directed by
Dr.Tavoussi.
- 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,
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.
- 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 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 ma take Tylenol
or pain medication as prescribed.
- Do not put any ointments or creams on
incision lines unless instructed by Dr.
Tavoussi.
Post surgical complications are rare and
are often easily solved by the doctor if
you notify us. 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, legs swelling,
calf pain or if you feel that anything might
be wrong. You can call us anytime you need
our help or cosultation with Dr. Tavoussi
regarding your surgery or post-op consideration.
Our staff will be happy to help you as we
are commited to your healthy condition after
surgery.
Just give us a call using our "Contact
Us"contact page or using our "Call
Me Now" page.
Rhinoplasty Related Topics:
|
