Post-Operative Care
Just had surgery? Find information below!
Surgeries
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Balloon Sinuplasty
Septoplasty, Turbinate Reduction
Rhinoplasty, Nasal Valve Reconstruction
Tonsillectomy
Adenoidectomy
Bilateral Myringotomy with Tube Placement
Bilateral Myringotomy with Tube Placement
Mastoidectomy
Tympanoplasty
Thyroidectomy/Parathyroidectomy
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Tonsillectomy
Sleep Surgery - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
Sinus Surgery
Recommended supplies can be found here
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Post-operative care visits are important. They help prevent persistent or recurrent disease. During these visits, the sutures, packing and/or intranasal splints are removed . Your first post-operative visit will occur typically within 7-10 days after surgery and weekly for 2-3 weeks. Failure to follow the post-operative care regimen can adversely affect the outcome of the surgery.
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GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
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Following surgery, limit your normal activities, exercise regimens and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining.
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You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
We encourage movement, walking around the day following surgery.
-
Some fatigue is normal and expected for 2-3 days after surgery
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
​
NASAL CARE:
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The nasal passages may be obstructed by swelling for 1-2 weeks following surgery.
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If there are splints, then your surgeon will remove these during your post-operative visit.
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Starting the day of surgery you are to start nasal rinsing twice daily, using the saline nasal rinse. You can find this here.
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You may eat a normal diet the day following the surgery.
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You are encouraged to drink at least 64oz of water per day. Avoid alcohol, especially while using narcotic pain medications.
​
ACTIVITY/POSITIONING/BATHING:
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Your head should be elevated and do not sleep with your face down for the first 14 days in order to keep your head higher than your heart to minimize swelling.
-
It is acceptable to do some light walking after surgery. Light exercise is OK 1 week after surgery, if you feel up to it.
-
You should avoid lifting greater than 10lbs until your doctor says it’s ok.
-
Showering/bathing is allowed on the second post-operative day.
-
Sneeze with your mouth open and do not blow your nose.
​
PAIN MANAGEMENT / SWELLING / BRUISING:
-
Some facial swelling and bruising are normal after nasal surgery, but the degree varies widely from patient to patient.
-
Pain should be controlled by the prescribed medications. You may alternate the prescribed narcotic medication and an NSAID (like ibuprofen/Advil). Once you feel as though you can transition away from the narcotic, you can alternate acetaminophen/Tylenol and ibuprofen/Advil. Plan to alternate every 3 hours.
-
Do not drive or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medication.
-
Constipation is a common side effect from narcotics and over the counter Colace may be used per bottle directions to help alleviate the discomfort.
​
BLEEDING:
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It is normal to have some bleeding for the first 48 hours after surgery.
-
It may be necessary to change the gauze drip pad a dozen or so times over that period of time.
-
It is normal to have a pinkish-reddish discharge from your nose and throat for the first 7 days and will gradually subside.
-
Should you experience profuse bright red blood, spray your nose with Afrin and call your surgeon (833-723-6863).
​
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT:
-
Fever above 101
-
Profuse bleeding that does not decrease with Afrin use.
Nasal Surgery
Recommended supplies can be found here
​
Post-operative care visits are important. They help prevent persistent or recurrent disease. During these visits, the sutures or intranasal splints are removed and tape may be applied. Your first post-operative visit will occur typically within 7-10 days after surgery. Failure to follow the post-operative care regimen can adversely affect the outcome of the surgery.
​
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
-
Following surgery, limit your normal activities, exercise regimens and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining.
-
You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
We encourage movement, walking around the day following surgery.
-
Some fatigue is normal and expected for 2-3 days after surgery
-
It is very important that you are cautious and protect and guard your nose from external injury.
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
-
Avoid excess exposure to sun and sun-tanning parlors in the first 3 months after surgery. You should always protect skin with a sunscreen with at least a SPF of 30.
-
Eye glasses may be taped to forehead and not placed on nose until your doctor instructs you to.
​
NASAL CARE:
-
The nasal passages may be obstructed by swelling for 1-2 weeks following surgery.
-
If there are splints, then your surgeon will remove these during your post-operative visit.
-
Starting the day of surgery you are to start nasal rinsing twice daily, using the saline nasal rinse.
-
You may eat a normal diet the day following the surgery.
-
You are encouraged to drink at least 64oz of water per day. Avoid alcohol, especially while using narcotic pain medications.
​
ACTIVITY/POSITIONING/BATHING:
-
Your head should be elevated and do not sleep with your face down for the first 14 days in order to keep your head higher than your heart to minimize swelling.
-
It is acceptable to do some light walking after surgery. Light exercise is OK 1 week after surgery, if you feel up to it.
-
You should avoid lifting greater than 10lbs until your doctor says it’s ok and avoid contact sports for at least 6 months.
-
Showering/bathing is allowed on the second post-operative day.
-
Sneeze with your mouth open and do not blow your nose.
​
PAIN MANAGEMENT / SWELLING / BRUISING:
-
Some facial swelling and bruising are normal after nasal surgery, but the degree varies widely from patient to patient.
-
Pain should be controlled by the prescribed medications. You may alternate the prescribed narcotic medication and an NSAID (like ibuprofen/Advil). Once you feel as though you can transition away from the narcotic, you can alternate acetaminophen/Tylenol and ibuprofen/Advil. Plan to alternate every 3 hours.
-
Do not drive or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medication.
-
Constipation is a common side effect from narcotics and over the counter Colace may be used per bottle directions to help alleviate the discomfort.
​
BLEEDING:
-
It is normal to have some bleeding for the first 48 hours after surgery.
-
It may be necessary to change the gauze drip pad a dozen or so times over that period of time.
-
It is normal to have a pinkish-reddish discharge from your nose and throat for the first 7 days and will gradually subside.
-
Should you experience profuse bright red blood, spray your nose with Afrin and call your surgeon (833-723-6863).
​
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT:
-
Fever above 101
-
Profuse bleeding that does not decrease with Afrin use.
Pediatric Surgery
Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy
Recommended supplies can be found here
​
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
-
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
-
After tonsillectomy, we recommend starting with a diet of clear liquids and advancing the diet gradually to soft foods.
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For the first several days following surgery we recommend consuming soft foods (ie, pasta, mashed potatoes, soup) and gradually working your way up to a bit firmer foods such as soft sandwiches or meats (ground meats, soft fish). Dairy products may be consumed, if desired.
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Patients should wait until healing is complete before consuming crunchy, crispy or brittle foods like chips, nuts or popcorn and firm meats like steak.
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The most important goal after surgery is staying hydrated. You can drink any fluid or "wet" food (like ice cream, soup, Jell-o, popsicles) you feel comfortable eating. Some people prefer cold (slurpees, slushies, Gatorade, water) and some prefer warm (de-caffeinated tea, broth). Either is fine. For kids, bribery is especially helpful (drink 1oz and get 30min of screen time or a gummy bear, using a fun drinking straw).
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A low-grade fever of 100-101 is normal and expected after tonsillectomy. Acetaminophen and/or NSAIDS should help with this.
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Expect bad breath and a yellow/white/brown/red scab at the back of the throat. This is normal and expected.
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Most patients are drowsy for the remainder of the day following surgery, and will need to rest comfortably with the support of family or friends to provide assistance with medications, eating and drinking, etc.
-
Following surgery, limit your normal activities, exercise regimens and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining.
-
You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
We encourage movement, walking around the day following surgery.
-
Some fatigue is normal and expected for 2-3 days after surgery
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
​
ACTIVITY/POSITIONING/BATHING:
-
It is acceptable to do some light walking after surgery. Light exercise is OK 1 week after surgery, if you feel up to it.
-
You should avoid lifting greater than 10lbs until your doctor says it’s ok.
-
Showering/bathing is allowed after surgery.
​
PAIN MANAGEMENT / SWELLING / BRUISING:
-
Pain management: Your doctor will prescribe a narcotic pain medication. You can take this medication and alternate this pain medication with ibuprofen (aka Motrin or Advil). Alternate each pain medication every three hours (narcotic, 3 hours later, ibuprofen, 3 hours later, narcotic, and so on). You can expect to still feel pain after your pain medication. The goal of the pain medication is to lessen the severity.
-
Do not drive or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medication.
-
Constipation is a common side effect from narcotics and over the counter Colace may be used per bottle directions to help alleviate the discomfort.
​
BLEEDING:
-
Significant bleeding is rare. If bleeding persists, ice water mouth washes may help.
-
More than two tablespoons of fresh blood should be reported. For severe bleeding, call the on-call physician (833-723-6863) and go to the nearest emergency room.
Bilateral Myringotomy with Tube Placement
Recommended supplies can be found here
​
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
-
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
-
You will be prescribed a drop to place in the ear after surgery. You will place 4-5 drops in each ear twice daily for 5 days.
-
Most patients are drowsy for the remainder of the day following surgery, and will need to rest comfortably with the support of family or friends to provide assistance with medications, eating and drinking, etc.
-
You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
ACTIVITY/POSITIONING/BATHING:
-
It is acceptable to do some light walking after surgery. Light exercise is OK 1 week after surgery, if you feel up to it.
-
It is OK for the patient to shower and bathe normally.
-
It is OK to swim in chlorinated pools without ear protection. If the child swims in dirty water, such as in an ocean, lake, or river, recommend ear plugs or placing antibiotic drops in the ear canal after swimming.
PAIN MANAGEMENT:
-
Pain management: Alternate Tylenol/acetaminophen and Advil/ibuprofen every three hours (Tylenol, 3 hours later, ibuprofen, 3 hours later, Tylenol, and so on). You can expect to still feel pain after your pain medication. The goal of the pain medication is to lessen the severity.
Ear Surgery
Tympanoplasty/Mastoidectomy
Recommended supplies can be found here
​
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
-
Avoid water in the ears. Use a cotton swab with vaseline in the outer ear when showering.
-
After surgery it is important that you take your antibiotics as directed. You will take an oral antibiotic for 7 days after surgery and you will use an ear drop starting 1 week prior to your followup appointment.
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For ear surgery, you may experience worsening of your hearing until the packing has dissolved, this is normal.
-
You may see bloody drainage from the ear, this is normal.
-
Most patients are drowsy for the remainder of the day following surgery, and will need to rest comfortably with the support of family or friends to provide assistance with medications, eating and drinking, etc.
-
Following surgery, limit your normal activities, exercise regimens and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining.
-
You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
We encourage movement, walking around the day following surgery.
-
Some fatigue is normal and expected for 2-3 days after surgery
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
​
DRESSING
-
You will leave the cup on your ear for 48 hours after surgery. Then you can remove it. There will be a piece of cotton in your ear that you can remove. Leave the packing in the ear.
-
Do not get the ear canal wet until after your followup. You can use a Vaseline soaked cotton ball in the outer ear to prevent water from getting in. You can clean the back of the ear gently with soap and water 48 hours after surgery.
​
PAIN MANAGEMENT / SWELLING / BRUISING:
-
Pain management: Your doctor will prescribe a narcotic pain medication. You can alternate this pain medication with ibuprofen (aka Motrin or Advil). Alternate each pain medication every three hours (narcotic, 3 hours later, ibuprofen, 3 hours later, narcotic, and so on). You can expect to still feel pain after your pain medication. The goal of the pain medication is to lessen the severity.
-
Do not drive or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medication.
-
Constipation is a common side effect from narcotics and over the counter Colace may be used per bottle directions to help alleviate the discomfort.
​
Bilateral Myringotomy with Tube Placement
Recommended supplies can be found here
​
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
-
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
-
You will be prescribed a drop to place in the ear after surgery. You will place 4-5 drops in each ear twice daily for 5 days.
-
Most patients are drowsy for the remainder of the day following surgery, and will need to rest comfortably with the support of family or friends to provide assistance with medications, eating and drinking, etc.
-
You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
ACTIVITY/POSITIONING/BATHING:
-
It is acceptable to do some light walking after surgery. Light exercise is OK 1 week after surgery, if you feel up to it.
-
It is OK for the patient to shower and bathe normally.
-
It is OK to swim in chlorinated pools without ear protection. If the child swims in dirty water, such as in an ocean, lake, or river, recommend ear plugs or placing antibiotic drops in the ear canal after swimming.
PAIN MANAGEMENT:
-
Pain management: Alternate Tylenol/acetaminophen and Advil/ibuprofen every three hours (Tylenol, 3 hours later, ibuprofen, 3 hours later, Tylenol, and so on). You can expect to still feel pain after your pain medication. The goal of the pain medication is to lessen the severity.
Neck Surgery
Thyroidectomy/Paratyroidectomy
Recommended supplies can be found here
​
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:​
-
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
-
Most patients are drowsy for the remainder of the day following surgery, and will need to rest comfortably with the support of family or friends to provide assistance with medications, eating and drinking, etc.
-
Following surgery, limit your normal activities, exercise regimens and any activity requiring heavy lifting or straining.
-
You must have a responsible adult with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
-
We encourage movement, walking around the day following surgery.
-
Some fatigue is normal and expected for 2-3 days after surgery
-
Avoid smoking after surgery as it impairs healing
​
WOUND CARE
-
Leave the Steri-strip in place. It is ok to gently wash with water after 48hours. Once the steri-strip falls off, apply Vitamin E and ointment (Aquaphor, A&E ointment, Vaseline) to the site to the point that it looks like a glazed donut.
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Once the wound has healed and is pink, place silicone sheeting across the wound until it is white.
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After 14 days of healing, you can massage the scar multiple times per day to help with pain and scar appearance.
-
Be sure to wear sunscreen on the scar if it is exposed to sun.
​
PAIN MANAGEMENT
-
Pain management: Your doctor will prescribe a narcotic pain medication. You can alternate this pain medication with ibuprofen (aka Motrin or Advil). Alternate each pain medication every three hours (narcotic, 3 hours later, ibuprofen, 3 hours later, narcotic, and so on). You can expect to still feel pain after your pain medication. The goal of the pain medication is to lessen the severity.
-
Do not drive or operate machinery while on narcotic pain medication.
-
Constipation is a common side effect from narcotics and over the counter Colace may be used per bottle directions to help alleviate the discomfort.
​