Septoplasty After Care Instructions
Before Surgery
- Make plans to be off work for about 1-2 weeks after surgery. Discuss this with your doctor.
After Surgery
- Sleep with your head raised, either in a chair or on pillows, for a couple of nights. You will have a nasal pack that is to remain in until you see the surgeon. You will have a dressing or splint on your nose.
- Change the ice packs every 10-20 minutes and the drip pad as often as the nurse told you to do. Use the icepack for 24 to 48 hours.
- Wear loose fitting clothing for a few days. Choose tops that don’t need to be pulled over your head.
- Do not blow your nose until your doctor says you can do so.
- Sneeze with your mouth open.
- Shower, but keep your nose dry. Take care to keep your nose dry when washing your hair.
- Plan for rest, but also move around the house as much as you can. You can resume your normal routine when you feel ready.
- Do not do any strenuous exercise.
- Do not lift anything over 10 pounds until after your first clinic visit.
- Expect areas of bruising at your incision site.
- Do not drive while you are taking narcotic pain medicine.
- Plan to visit your surgeon in 2-5 days and in one week.
When to Call Your Doctor
- Fever over 100.5° F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
- Excess swelling
- Bleeding or pus from incision
- Increase in pain
Your doctor’s office phone number is (608) 26________________
After hours and weekends, the clinic number will give you the hospital paging operator. Ask for plastic surgery resident on-call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
Toll free Hospital Number: (800) 323-8942
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/27/2011
Copyright © 07/27/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4771
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