After surgery, most patients complain more of discomfort from nasal and sinus congestion than from pain. Any pain should be controlled with medication that will have been prescribed to you by your surgeon. Remember that pain medication may impair your reactions, so avoid driving or performing hazardous activities while taking it. If the prescribed medication does not control your symptoms, contact us. You may experience nausea with prescribed medication; taking it with food may help.

After the first day, the pain may subside enough so that plain Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol will work. If not, call our office and we will prescribe a stronger medication.

It is normal to have bleeding over the first 12 hours after surgery. It may be necessary to change your gauze a dozen or so times over this period. Do not swallow the blood, which will make you nauseated. It is normal to have a pinkish-reddish discharge from your nose and throat for the first three to four days. This will gradually subside. If you have profuse nasal bleeding after this time, immediately lie down with your head elevated on three to four pillows. Iced washcloths on the back of the neck and over the eyes may help. Using nasal decongestants such as Afrin will often help with bleeding. Please call our office if these measures do not suffice.

Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after the surgery. Swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks is variable. Swelling maximizes at about two days and then subsides over the next week. Hold an ice pack to the eyes occasionally during the first 48 hours to decrease swelling. Swelling will clear completely and will not impact your results. Bruising and discoloration may persist a few days longer, which will also subside with time.

Infection is unusual after rhinoplasty, but occasionally occurs. Fever over 100 ° F, excessive pain, and swelling with redness may signify a developing nasal infection and should be reported. Infections generally clear up quickly with appropriate antibiotic treatment.