Sinus Surgery Post Op Instructions

Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose & Throat, Inc. 918-492-3636

The day of surgery go immediately to bed and rest with your head elevated on two pillows. Elevation helps reduce swelling. After the first day you may resume light activity, but pace yourself.

Start with a bland diet on the first day. After 24 hours you may advance your diet as desired.

No straining, lifting, or bending over for at least two weeks. If you bend, keep your head up and bend with your knees. This will help reduce swelling.

No aspirin, aspirin containing medications, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for two weeks.

Smoking inhibits healing and may cause bleeding. For best results, it is strongly recommended you not smoke for at least 2 weeks following surgery.

No alcohol for at least 48 hours. Remember not to drink while taking pain medications. It is recommended that you do not drive wile using pain medications.

Take medications as prescribed.

Use saline nasal spray, (Ayr, Ocean, etc.). Spray each nostril with 2 sprays every 2 hours while you are awake. Do this at least until your first post op visit.

Clean the nostrils with hydrogen peroxide to remove crusts. Apply Neosporin ointment to nostrils twice a day.

Use ice packs to the cheeks and forehead as tolerated for the first 48 -72 hours. This will help prevent swelling and bruising.

Change the 2 x 2 gauze as needed. It is not uncommon to change it a dozen times over the first 24 hours.

Light exercise may be resumed 7 – 10 days after surgery. Remember to gradually work-up to your previous level. If your nose begins to swell or ache, you are overdoing it and need to stop.

Your recovery time will vary greatly depending on your response to anesthetic agents, extent of surgery, etc. It may take several weeks before you can resume full activity.

EMERGENCY NUMBER TO CALL

OFFICE (Answered 24 hours): 918-492-3636. If you reach the answering service, inform them you are a surgery patient.