Rhinoplasty Postoperative Instructions | Namin Facial Plastic Surgery

Pain Control

Pain is typically mild to moderate after this procedure. If an ear or rib cartilage graft is harvested, that is usually the most uncomfortable part. Pain generally subsides after the first 48-72 hours.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) should be your first option: up to 1 gram every 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 grams in any 24-hour period.
Dr. Namin will prescribe Norco (5 mg hydrocodone / 325 mg acetaminophen) for breakthrough pain. Because Norco also contains acetaminophen, be sure to count it toward your 4-gram daily Tylenol limit.
Do not take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medications unless you have discussed it with Dr. Namin.
Dr. Namin typically prescribes Celebrex, an anti-inflammatory similar to ibuprofen but with less risk of bleeding.
Do not combine Norco with alcohol. Together they can depress your breathing and cause serious problems.
If you regularly take pain medication, anti-anxiety medication, or benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, etc.), please discuss this with Dr. Namin before surgery, as these can interact with Norco.

Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed.
Do not blow your nose for the first two weeks after surgery.
Do not pick your nose for the first four weeks after surgery.
You will likely have splints inside your nose and a cast on the outside. These are typically removed about 7 days after surgery.

During the first week after surgery, perform the following routine three times daily:

Keeping the wound moist during the first 7 days is very important: it improves healing, reduces crusting, and lowers the risk of infection.
If a cartilage graft was taken from your ear, you will have sutures there. Clean this incision using the same steps (peroxide, then saline, then dry, then antibiotic ointment).
If a cartilage graft was taken from your rib, surgical glue will be in place. You may shower and get it wet, but do not submerge it underwater for four weeks.
Dr. Namin and his team will remove your sutures around 7 days after surgery.
Continue applying antibiotic ointment inside the nostrils 3-5 times daily during days 7-14 after surgery.

You may begin showering the second day after surgery.
Because you have a cast on your nose, keep your face completely dry until the cast and splints are removed.
You may begin washing your face with a gentle cleanser the day your nasal splints are removed, unless Dr. Namin advises otherwise.
Do not submerge your nose underwater for four weeks after surgery.

Light walking around the house or store is encouraged to help prevent blood clots.
Light walking outside is fine, as long as your face is protected from the sun with a hat, it is not raining, and you do not begin sweating.

You may resume your normal diet after surgery.

Dr. Namin will see you about 7 days after surgery.

Never hesitate to contact Dr. Namin with any questions or concerns.
Swelling and bruising around the eyes is expected.
Sleep with the head of your bed elevated during the first week to help reduce swelling.
If your temperature rises above 100.4°F, contact the office.
Minor oozing from the nose is expected during the first few days. If you experience bleeding, spray Afrin into your nose.
If the bleeding does not stop, contact our office or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or you pass out, call 911.