Post-Operative Care Instructions – Closed Reduction of Nasal Fracture

DIET

  • Begin with clear liquids, avoiding hot liquids until the numbness subsides.
  • Once numbness subsides, transition to soft foods such as applesauce, scrambled eggs, pancakes, mashed potatoes, or soup, taking care to avoid the surgical site(s). As you feel more comfortable, gradually reintroduce more solid foods.

PAIN CONTROL AND ANTIBIOTIC

  • Always take medications with food or a glass of water to avoid stomach upset.
  • Take 200 – 600mg of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) as soon as possible and before the numbing wears off. Then, follow up with 500 – 1,000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) three hours later. Repeat this cycle every three hours for at least the first day. If you are unable to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, please inform our staff, and we will create an alternative pain management plan for you.
  • If you find you require additional pain relief, you may substitute acetaminophen with your narcotic pain medication (if prescribed). Always take ibuprofen and choose either acetaminophen or the narcotic pain medication for the second dose.
  • If you find that you feel nauseated after taking the narcotic pain medication, discontinue use. If vomiting occurs, please contact our office for further assistance.
  • Make sure not to exceed 3,200mg of ibuprofen or 4,000mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period.
  • Apply ice to the area of repair, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, during the first 72 hours (3 days) after your procedure. If you experience pain or swelling beyond 72 hours, you may switch to heat, following the same, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, pattern.
  • Antibiotics (if prescribed): Begin taking them this evening or the morning following your procedure. Continue to take them, as directed, until gone. Always take antibiotics with food to avoid stomach upset.

NASAL STENTS

  • You may have a stent over the bridge of your nose and in both nostrils. The stent over the bridge of your nose will naturally fall off, usually after the swelling decreases.
  • Your surgeon will remove the stents inside your nostrils, and these typically remain in place for one to two weeks after the nasal repair.
  • It is okay to take a quick shower below the neck. Avoid getting nasal stent wet for one week after your procedure.

NASAL CARE

  • Avoid blowing your nose for 2 weeks after the repair. Wiping your nose is acceptable.
  • You can use saltwater rinses or a Neti-Pot to clean your nostrils. Additionally, the use of Neosporin inside your nostrils is recommended for scabbing.
  • Expect your nose to continue draining for the first 24-28 hours after the repair, with possible clots for the next two weeks as sinuses continue to drain. Clotting may increase 
  • when transitioning from sitting to standing or leaning over; apply pressure, as necessary. Refrain from blowing your nose.
  • If you experience persistent bright red bleeding that does not stop with pressure, contact our office for evaluation.
  • It is common to observe discoloration or bruising, often caused by bleeding from the surgical sites into the tissues. This bruising may extend to the neck and upper chest but will naturally resolve over time. 

SUTURES

  • Sutures will dissolve or fall out 3 – 7 days after your procedure. It is okay if they come out sooner than 3 days. If there is no active bleeding, you will continue to heal as normal.
  • Certain procedures require non-dissolvable sutures. In this case, your surgeon will let you know, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for removal of the sutures.

Prescriptions: Any prescriptions will be sent electronically to your pharmacy. It may take up to 6 hours for your prescriptions to be ready. Please contact our office if it has been more than 6 hours.

Contact Our Office: If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at (269)323-1527. We have a surgeon on call 24/7. For after-hours calls, our answering service will assist you. Please leave the patient’s name, date of birth, and a callback number. The on-call surgeon will contact you at the earliest opportunity.