Nasal Septum Repair: At-Home Recovery:
You may have some swelling of your nose, upper lip, cheeks, or around your eyes after nasal surgery. You may have some bruises around your nose and eyes. Your nose may be sore and will bleed. This may last for several days after surgery.
The tip of your nose and your upper lip and gums may be numb. Feeling will return in a few weeks to a few months. Your sense of smell may not be as good after surgery. But it will improve and will often return to normal in 1 to 2 months.
You will have a drip pad under your nose to collect mucus and blood. Change it only when it bleeds through. You may have to do this every hour for 24 hours after surgery.
You will probably be able to return to work or school in a few days and to your normal routine in about 3 weeks. But this varies with your job and how much surgery you had. Most people recover fully in 1 to 2 months.
You will have to visit your doctor during the 3 to 4 months after your surgery. Your doctor will check to see that your nose is healing well.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Do not lie flat. Raise your head with two or three pillows. This can reduce swelling. Try to sleep on your back for the month after surgery. You can also sleep in a reclining chair.
Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. Also, try to sit and stand as much as you can.
For 1 week, try not to bend over or lift anything heavier than 4.5 kilograms.
You can take a shower or bath. Avoid swimming for 6 weeks.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 1 week or until your doctor says it is okay.
You may drive when you are no longer taking prescription pain pills and feel up to it.