Nasal Surgery

Nasal Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia in the hospital or out-patient surgery setting. Prior to surgery, you will often be given a sedative and an antibiotic (to help prevent infection). Appropriate laboratory and medical evaluation will be performed routinely before surgery.

Sometimes an overnight stay in the hospital will be required after surgery, but often nasal surgery can be done as an out-patient. Whether your surgery is out-patient (you go home the same day) or if you spend one night in the hospital, you will need to follow these instructions after your operation:

1) Rest at home for several days after surgery. Light daily activities are permitted, but avoid heavy lifting, Housework, or bending over.

2) Sleep with your head elevated (one or two pillows) to help decrease post-operative swelling.

3) Do not blow your nose until your doctor approves (and sneeze with your mouth open).

4) Gently clean your nostrils as needed with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-Tip.

5) Apply Bacitracin ointment to nostrils twice a day to prevent infection.

6) Take all antibiotics (if prescribed) as directed.

7) Take pain medication (or Tylenol) as directed.

8) Use Ayr or Ocean Spray (salt water nasal spray) to keep your nose clear.

The doctor will need to check you in the office about 5-7 days after surgery.

If your surgery included changing the external appearance of the nose, a plaster cast will be placed on your nose after surgery. This will be removed during your first post-operative visit. Please do not loosen this cast and avoid getting it wet.

A minor amount of bleeding from the nose (or down the back of your throat) is expected after surgery. Please notify the office if bleeding is excessive.