Before Your Surgery
Once you have decided to proceed with the surgery, you will come back to the office to arrange pre-operative teting. Do not take any over the counter medications or dietary/vitamin supplements for 10 days prior to your surgery without first clearing them with us. Many medication contain aspirin or other substances which can make you bleed during or after the surgery.
During The Surgery
Depending on the amount of work you are having done and your preferences your surgery may be done with a straight local anesthetic with some sedation or with a general anesthetic. Most nose surgery is done either with heavy sedation or a general anesthetic in the hospital or surgery center. Occasionally, if only the tip of the nose is being reshaped, the surgery can be done under a local anesthetic in the office.
After The Surgery
Your nose will be taped and you may have a splint on. If there are small drains in the nose you can remove them the next morning. There is a small gauze below the nose which you can change as needed. Your nose will not be packed. You should sleep with your head elevated on several pillows to decrease swelling. Ice packs to the cheeks will relieve selling and discomfort. Do not blow your nose. Do not do any straining, heavy lifting or exercising for the first week to minimize the risk of nose bleeds. We will give you prescriptions for pain medication and possibly for an antibiotic. While taking the pain medication, take Metamucil or another laxative to avoid constipation. If taking antibiotics, eat a cup of yogurt about 2 hours after each dose to help avoid the diarrhea that can be caused by antibiotics.
Your nose will be swollen for some time, especially the tip. We do not expect to see this swelling come down for several months. The shape and appearance of your nose will continue to improve over the next year.
Note: These instructions are for Dr. Loomis' patients only. Different techniques require different pre and post-operative care. If you are having surgery elsewhere you need to follow your own surgeon's instructions. |