NASAL SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS1) Take prescription medications as directed on the bottles. If your pain is mild, you may take Tylenol instead of the

prescription pain medication but make sure you are not taking more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen within 24 hours.

2) OTC products:

a)  amica montana tablets, any strength, take as directed, until bruising clears up

b)  bromelain tablets, any strength, take as directed, until bruising clears up _

c)  Bacitracin ointment: apply to stitches and inside both nostrils three times a day, beginning the morning after

surgery

d)  Nasal saline spray (Ocean etc.) squeeze bottle or mist, not aerosol, 2 sprays in each nostril, 5-6 times a day. You

may begin this the morning after surgery.

3) After surgery, you may shower/wash your hair etc. but keep your nose dry until the sutures and splint are removed on

day 6 or 7. You can keep your face pointed away from the shower and clean your face with a washcloth.

4) Low salt diet for one week after surgery. No alcohol or coffee for one week.

5) Sleep with your head elevated for the first two weeks after surgery. You may put one or two pillows under your upper

back/shoulders and 3 pillows under your head, so that you are propped up at a 30 degree angle.

6) May drive once off the pain medication.

7) May resume vigorous exercise two weeks after the surgery but may begin light walking etc. the day after surgery. No

heavy lifting (>10 lbs.) for 2 weeks as well.

8) Ice your forehead and undemeatl1 both eyes 15 minutes every hour (while awake) for the first three days following

surgery. You can place crushed ice into the fingers of rubber gloves and apply this over the nose, eyes, and forehead. 

9) No glasses or sunglasses resting directly on the nose for 3 weeks after the splint comes off. You may tape your glasses

to your forehead if needed, such that glasses are floating over the bridge of the nose. 

10) Call Dr. Mehta at 650-762-5406 on his cell at any time after surgery (nights/weekends etc.) for bleeding, nausea,

uncontrolled pain, discolored drainage from the nose, redness around any incision lines/tape, or any concerns. During

the day, you can reach us at the office 650-363-1500.

 

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

FOLLOWING ANESTHESIAIf your surgeon’s instructions vary from these instructions, please follow your surgeon’s instructions 

You may experience lightheadedness, dizziness and sleepiness due to your anesthesia. Therefore, a responsible person

must drive you home and stay with you overnight. For the next 24 hours:

  Do not drive a car, operate machinery or power tools. _

  Do not drink alcoholic beverages of any kind, including beer ant

  Do not sign any important papers or make important decisions.

  If possible, arrange care for dependent adults or children.

ACTIVITY

  Rest at home today; increase activity gradually.

  When you change position, move slowly to minimize any dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

  Have a responsible person with you the first few times you get up. 

DIET

  Start with clear liquids (7-Up, broth, jello, apple or cranberry juice) and progress as tolerated to a light meal

(soup, toast, cereal, etc.) then progress to more substantial food later in the day.

  Avoid highly spiced or greasy food.

  You should be able to resume your normal diet after 24 hours.

  Increase fluids, fruits, vegetables and fiber to avoid constipation that can be caused by pain medication.

MEDICATIONS

  Resume the same medications as before your procedure, unless otherwise specified. 

  Do not take aspirin or aspirin-like products (Ibuprofen, Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) unless your surgeon

has so advised you. *-' -" -———--— 

  Do not take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while taking Vicodin.

  If pain medication is irritating to your stomach, take it with a small amount of food or drink.

  Take your pain medication as soon as you feel pain - D0 NOT WAIT.

DRESSINGS

  Keep dressing dry, clean and in place until instructed by your surgeon to remove them.

SPECIAL DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

  Specific procedure/discharge instructions given on 

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT bed

  Contact your surgeon for a follow-up appointment, if one has not yet been scheduled.

Surgeon: Phone No.

Contact your surgeon (or his/her associate) if any of the following occur:  

 

  Bright red or persistent bleeding or swelling

  Difficulty breathing

  Persistent nausea or vomiting

  Redness around the incision

  Unrelieved pain

  If your surgery was on extremity, any change in color, mobility, feeling, or temperature of fitness or toes

  Temperature above 101 degrees F

  Inability to urinate

  Decreasing levels of responsiveness or consciousness

If you are unable to reach your surgeon in an acute emergency, go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911