When You Were in the Hospital

You had septoplasty to correct the problems in your nasal septum. Your surgery probably took about 1 to 1 ½ hours. You probably received general anesthesia. You may have had local anesthesia.

What to Expect at Home

After surgery, you may have either packaging (to stop bleeding) or splints (to hold the tissues in place) inside your nose. Usually this packing is removed 24 - 36 hours after surgery. Splints may be left in place for 1 - 2 weeks.

You may have swelling in your face for 2 - 3 days after surgery. Your nose may drain and bleed a little for 2 to 5 days after surgery.

Your nose, cheeks, and upper lip may be numb. The numbness on the tip of your nose may take several months to completely go away.

Self-care

Rest all day after surgery. Do not touch or rub your nose. Avoid blowing your nose (it is normal to feel stuffed up for several weeks).

You may apply ice packs to your nose and eye area to help with pain and swelling, but make sure to keep your nose dry. Cover the ice pack with a clean, dry cloth or small towel. Sleeping propped up on 2 pillows will also help reduce swelling.

Your doctor will give you a prescription for pain medicines. Get it filled when you go home so you have it when you need it. Take pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a prescription painkiller, the way your doctor told you to take them. Take your medicine when pain first starts. Don’t let it get very bad before taking it.

You should not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make any major decisions for at least 24 hours after surgery. Your anesthesia will make you groggy and make it hard to think clearly. It should wear off in about 24 hours.

Limit activities that could make you fall or that increase pressure on your face. Some of these are bending over, holding your breath, and tightening muscles during bowel movements. Avoid heavy lifting and physical activity for 2 to 4 weeks. You should be able to go back to work or school 1 week after surgery.

Do not take baths or showers for 24 hours. Your nurse will show you how to clean your nose area with Q-tips and hydrogen peroxide or another cleaning solution if needed.

You may go outside a few days after surgery, but don’t stay in the sun for more than 15 minutes.

Follow up with your doctor as directed. You may need to have stitches removed, and your doctor will want to check your healing.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

• Trouble breathing
• A heavy nosebleed, and you cannot stop it
• Pain that is getting worse or pain that your pain medicines are not helping
• High fever and chills

Alternate Names

Nasal septum repair - discharge

References

Kridel RWH, Kelly PE, MacGregor AR. The nasal septum. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 34.

Update Date: 2/28/2011

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.