Embarking on a nose surgery is a significant step towards enhancing your well-being, and knowing what to expect can make the process smoother. Let’s dive into the key aspects of your nose surgery experience, from pre-surgery preparations to post-surgery care.
1. Preparing for Surgery:
- Arrive at the hospital at least 2 hours before the scheduled surgery time for documentation and preparation.
- Avoid solid food 6 hours before surgery and limit water intake to sips until 3 hours prior to the procedure.
- Non-compliance with fasting instructions may result in the cancellation of surgery due to anesthesia requirements.
2. Overnight Stay:
- We recommend staying in the hospital overnight, and occasionally for 2 nights based on the complexity of the surgery.
3. Post-Surgery Phase:
- Expect drowsiness for at least 2 hours following surgery.
- Spend 2 hours in surgical recovery before being moved to the ward.
- Dressings in the nose will be kept overnight, and you may experience some dizziness with a small amount of blood on the bandage.
4. Recovery at Home:
- Your nose may feel blocked for the next 4 weeks, with increased blockage in the first week.
- Follow the doctor’s cleaning instructions, and anticipate some blood for the first week, gradually reducing over the next 4 weeks.
- Minimal pain is typical, and any crusting in the nose will settle within 4 weeks.
5. Post-Surgery Precautions:
- Avoid Blowing the Nose Hard: This is crucial for your recovery.
- Follow the prescribed regimen of nasal wash, drops, ointment, and medications.
- No Flights for 1 Week: Give your nose the time it needs to heal.
- Sneeze with an Open Mouth: Protect your healing nose during sneezing.
- You can resume head baths after 1 week.
6. Dietary Considerations:
- You can resume your regular diet the day after surgery.
7. Follow-up Appointments:
- A nose cleaning appointment is scheduled 1 week after surgery, lasting 10-15 minutes.
- Typically, one more cleaning is done 2 weeks after the procedure.
8. Common Complications:
- The most common complication is bleeding, although it is rare in our practice. Most bleeding can be managed by pinching the nose for 5 minutes.
- Infections are rare, and antibiotics are prescribed if needed.
- Extremely rare complications, such as damage to the eye or lining of the brain, have not been encountered in Dr. Shareef’s practice.
Your journey through nose surgery is unique, and our goal is to ensure your comfort and well-being every step of the way. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Your health is our priority.