• Cool, clear liquids are generally best for the first 24 hours after general anesthesia.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration after surgery is a serious problem that often leads to increased pain and feeling sick. Recommended fluids include: sports drinks, Pedia-Lyte, non-caffeinated soda, Kool-Aid and broth.
• If you feel nauseated, continue to take sips of fluids as tolerated and avoid solid food.
• After 24 hours and if you don’t feel sick to you stomach, you can eat soft, regular food. Avoid hot/spicy foods for at least 1 week after surgery.
• Adults should not drink alcohol for at least 2 weeks after surgery.

• Resume your regular medications as soon as you can tolerate drinking liquids. Do not take aspirin for 1 week after surgery unless directed otherwise.
• If you were given a prescription for pain medication, take it as needed for severe pain. If your pain medication makes you feel sick to your stomach, take Tylenol instead. Do not take your prescription pain medication and Tylenol closer than 4 hours apart since both contain acetaminophen. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve) is not recommended unless there are no other alternatives for pain relief. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN.
• If you were given an antibiotic, take all of your medication as directed. If you develop diarrhea while taking the antibiotic, notify the doctor’s office. Eating yogurt 3 times a day can help prevent this problem.
• Use over the counter nasal saline spray. Apply 2-3 sprays in each nostril 4-5 times a day.

• Do not blow your nose. Do not pick at or put anything inside the nose.
• Keep a clean drip pad under the nose for as long as there is drainage (usually 2-3 days). Change as often as needed.
• No strenuous activity for 2 weeks after surgery including: exercise, heavy lifting, bending, yard work or anything that includes straining or elevation your heart rate.
• Keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling and pain. At night, sleep with several pillows under your head or in a recliner for 1 week after surgery.
• Although you should not exert yourself during recovery, you should not stay bedbound for prolonged periods. Getting out of bed and walking around the house is good for you and will help speed up your recovery.
• Children and adults will typically need to be absent from school or work for 1 week.
• Absolutely no driving for at least 48 hours after surgery. You may drive only if you are not taking pain narcotic medication.

• Drainage from the nose will be bloody for the first 24 hours after surgery and then slowly become clearer. If you have heavy bleeding, keep your head elevated and try not to swallow the drainage since it may make you feel sick. A cold pack across the forehead and eyes will help to slow the bleeding.
• You may develop some bruising and swelling around the eyes. Keep your head elevated and keep a cold pack on your forehead and eyes for 10-15 minutes at a time. DO NOT PUT ICE DIRECTLY ON EXPOSED SKIN.
• Your nose will be congested for 1-2 weeks. It may take up to 6 weeks after surgery until nasal breathing is optimal.
• Your mouth and lips will become dry while your nose is congested. Drink plenty of fluids and use lip balm or Vaseline on the lips to prevent chapping. A bedside humidifier is helpful for the first week after surgery to reduce drying effects.
• Facial pain and pressure are often worse after sinus and nasal surgery. If pain medication does not help, you may take pseudoephedrine twice a day to help relief the pressure. Do not take pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure or are taking medication for high blood pressure.
• After a rhinoplasty, you will have a dressing on the outside of your nose. Do not get the dressing wet. You may shower and wash carefully around the dressing but it must stay completely dry. On the morning of your 1 week follow-up appointment, you may take a shower and soak the dressing and splint to help soften it before removal by the physician.
• If a dressing or packing comes out before you see the physician, contact the office. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REAPPLY THE DRESSING OR REPLACE THE PACKING.

• Constant heavy bleeding.
• Persistent vomiting 24 hours after surgery.
• Uncontrolled pain not relieved by medication.
• Change in vision.
• High fever over 102° F.

• Keep your appointment as previously scheduled.

** For urgent problems or questions after hours, please call the main number at 317.818.5438 and select option 1 to reach the answering service and inform them you are a patient of Dr. Chegar.