Rhinoplasty
The following information is intended exclusively for Barrett Plastic Surgery patients. If you have had surgery by another surgeon, please follow up with that surgeon for your post-operative instructions. Congratulations on completing your surgery! Please reference these instructions over the coming weeks as you begin your recovery process.
Pre-Op Care
A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation/Uber is not permissible).
A responsible adult must stay with you until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to increase your fluid intake and add more fruits to your diet.
Take all medications as instructed postoperatively.
Wash your face, hair, and body with antibacterial soap before coming into the office on the day of surgery.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Do not consume any alcohol for 2 weeks after your procedure.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Post-Op Care
Shower 24 hours after surgery, but keep the tape and splint on your nose dry at all times. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo. Keep your nose cast/nose tape absolutely dry at all times. Do not remove. Call the office immediately if tape loosens. Wash your hair in a manner that keeps your nose dry. Use saran wrap to cover the cast when bathing. Baths are a better choice for most people.
Remove the scopolamine patch from behind your ear after surgery, as it may cause blurry vision when worn for too long.
Keep your head elevated the evening after surgery as well as for the first two weeks following surgery. This can be done by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath your head.
Sleep on your back for the first two weeks to avoid rolling onto your face.
Ice packs should be applied across the eyes for the first 48 hours after surgery to help with bruising and swelling.
Change the dressing under your nose as needed for the first 24-48 hours. Some bloody nasal discharge is to be expected after this surgery.
Clean excess blood from the nose with hydrogen peroxide and distilled water on a Q-tip as you change the dressing under your nose
Stitches will be removed 5-7 days after surgery.
Following removal of the tape and splint, you will need to gently wash your nose twice a day to help reduce oiliness.
Eyeglasses may be worn with the splint in place. Once the splint is removed, they should be either suspended from the forehead or supported on the cheek for a period of six weeks. This is critical as pressure on the nose may change its final shape. Contact lenses may be inserted the week after surgery.
What to expect
Discoloration, numbness, bruising and swelling may occur. This is normal.
The nose may appear extremely swollen after the split is removed. This is normal.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery; but generally, after about a week, you should begin to feel better.
Final results may take up to 1 year. The results are worth the wait!
Recommended Products
The Essential Surgery Recovery Optimization Kit
Curated to ensure a seamless and stress-free recovery, we’ve taken the guesswork out of trying to find all your basic post-surgical needs.
BEFORE
Optimizes nutritional status prior to surgery. Take 4 capsules twice daily starting 5 days before surgery.
AFTER
Replenishes key healing nutrients and ingredients to control pain and inflammation. Take 4 capsules twice daily, starting 5 days before surgery.
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Barrett Recovery Oil
Benefits include pain relief, reducing inflammation, alleviating stress, and eliminating insomnia. Start with ½-1 dropper underneath the tongue the night of surgery. Hold the oil under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. Increase dose as needed. Do not exceed 4 full droppers a day.
ARNICA+
Speed healing time up to 50% allowing for faster recovery from bruising, swelling, and pain. Take 1 capsule twice daily after surgery.
LivingFuel Omega Super Essentials
Anti-inflammatory effects and reduce wound infections by 50%. Take 1 tablet per 25 lbs of body weight. For example, if you weigh 125 lbs then take 5 tablets.
CALMg
Reduce stress levels, sleep faster and deeper, maintain normal heart rhythm, and build strong bones. Take 2 capsules nightly.
Masszymes
Increase absorption of key amino acids and certain vitamins, improve digestion and gut health, and faster muscle recovery. Take 3 capsules with every meal.
Skinuva
A clinically tested scar cream and team favorite, Skinuva contains highlight selective growth factors combined with a silicone cream matrix. Skinuva improves the appearance of scars nearly two times better when compared to a traditional silicone cream. Begin using 2-3 weeks post-procedure, or after the incision site has begun to scab over. If you are unsure, please consult with the medical team during your pre-op appointments.
Activities
Walk around the house on the day of surgery and thereafter to help reduce swelling and decrease the risk of blood clots.
No strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
No heavy lifting for three weeks.
No contact sports for three months.
No pull-over clothing for two weeks.
No driving for one, preferably two weeks after surgery.
Avoid hard chewing foods for two weeks.
Avoid yawning or wide-mouth opening for two weeks.
Avoid nose blowing or sniffing through the nose for two weeks.
Use a baby toothbrush on the upper teeth for two weeks following surgery.
If sneezing, sneeze with the mouth open for two weeks.
Call the office if you experience any of the following
Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
Pain is not relieved with pain medication.
Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from the incision area.
Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
You have not urinated for more than 6 hours after getting home from surgery.
If you need to seek a hospital, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911
Providence St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica
Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles
Southern California Hospital in Culver City
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