Post-Op Instructions Q&A

You only have to wear the nasal drip pad if you are currently bleeding from your nose or have excessive drainage from your nose. This usually subsides two full days after surgery. Once you are no longer bleeding or draining, you do not have to wear the drip pad.

Yes, while this is uncommon, it can occur in some patients. Continue to ice the area of the nose, and the redness will go away on its own. It will have no effect on the healing process.

Yes, it is very normal to be bleeding on and off, especially for the first two days. It is normal to bleed through and soak the gauze every 30 minutes for the first two days. You only have to wear the nasal drip pad if you are bleeding actively. If you are bleeding more than you are comfortable with and soaking through gauze every couple of minutes, please call the office at (310) 276-1703, and you will be connected to a medical assistant, nurse, or doctor immediately.

While most patients do not have much bruising at all, some patients are more sensitive and can have severe bruising. This is very normal and will completely go away. Icing 5-6 times a day will help it go away faster. Bruising has no consequence on long-term healing or your final result.

Yes, swelling is very normal after surgery. Some patients are more sensitive than others and can have extreme swelling around the eyes. To combat the swelling, make sure to ice 5-6 times daily. The swelling will not interfere with the recovery process and will resolve with icing over 5-7 days.

You can wash your hair in the sink with the help of another individual. You can also go to any hair salon (we have one downstairs in our building) and have them wash your hair for you. The only rule is: Do not get the cast wet!

You can wash your face using wet towels, Neutrogena wipes, or other similar products that do not have the possibility of getting water on the cast.

Yes, you can shower from the neck down. Just be sure to avoid getting any water on the cast.

Yes, you can wear glasses with your cast. However, you cannot wear glasses for six weeks once the cast is off. The glasses can put excess pressure on the nose, so until six weeks of healing has occurred, we recommend refraining from wearing glasses.

You have to wait at least four weeks for the cuts inside your nose to fully heal so that you can submerge your head in water. This reduces the chance of getting bacteria in your cuts and decreases the risk of infection.

We advise that you wait six full weeks after surgery before you resume drinking caffeine. We know this might be difficult for some patients who are used to drinking coffee or tea daily. If you must resume before the six weeks, we advise ½ cup or ¼ cup a day if needed.

Yes, you can do light activities including walking, going out to lunch/dinner, and shopping. No extreme activity is allowed, including lifting weights or excessive exercise, during the first seven days post-op (when the cast is on). Between any activities, icing is recommended.

We advise that you wait six full weeks after surgery before you resume drinking alcohol.

There is a strict no-smoking policy (tobacco, marijuana, or other) for six weeks after surgery. It will impair the healing process significantly. There are NO exceptions to this.

You cannot blow your nose for the first three weeks after surgery. This is because it can cause bleeding and increase swelling in the nose. You can, however, sniff back whatever is dripping from your nose and either swallow or spit it out.

Use four fresh ice cubes in each of the four fingers of the glove each time. Tie the glove using the thumb and the wrist area. Please also refrain from using ice compresses or frozen peas. Icing should last 30 minutes. Please place a Kleenex or paper towel over your eyes, and place the ice glove over that (two fingers over each eye, tucked next to the nose).

Week 1: You should be icing six times each day for 30 minutes each time. Use the ice glove method. The ice glove method is using fresh ice in each of the four fingers, placing two fingers over each eye, tucked near the nose. Remember to put a tissue underneath the ice glove so the cast does not get wet from condensation. Once the cast is removed, then you should ice three times a day for the following five weeks.

No, you cannot refreeze your ice glove. Use four fresh ice cubes in each of the four fingers in a NEW glove each time. Please also refrain from using ice compresses or frozen peas. Icing should last 30 minutes. Please place a Kleenex or paper towel over your eyes, and place the ice glove over that (two fingers over each eye, tucked next to the nose).

Yes, it is very normal for your gums, tongue, and teeth to feel sensitive. You may even have no sensation of your gums at all. This is normal due to the nerves that Dr. Dugar cuts in your nose being connected to your mouth area. The sensation will return to normal and have no effect on your overall healing process.

You can brush your teeth, wear Invisalign, or wear a retainer or any other dental instrument the next morning after your surgery. Just be gentle to avoid too much pressure on the nose. Additionally, be aware that your gums and teeth might be sensitive from surgery, which is normal and will improve.