Your written discharge plan comes first. These instructions must be tailored to your treatment and medical history. For combined procedures, ask the team for one coordinated plan; do not choose between conflicting instructions yourself.
What to expect.
Congestion, swelling, bruising, and a small amount of blood-tinged drainage may occur early. The nasal contour takes months to settle, and revision swelling may last longer.
Your care plan.
- Keep the external splint dry and leave packing, stitches, and internal splints alone. Do not remove or adjust them yourself.
- Avoid blowing or rubbing your nose. If you sneeze, keep your mouth open. Use saline or other sprays only according to the written plan.
- Sleep with your head elevated. Avoid pressure on the nose from glasses, face masks, sleeping position, or exercise equipment until cleared.
- Clean only as demonstrated. Do not insert cotton swabs deeply or apply pressure or ice directly to the nose.
Activity & recovery.
- Rest with your head gently elevated and avoid bending at the waist, straining, and heavy lifting until cleared. Take short walks rather than remaining in bed.
- Protect the treated area from pressure and sun. Resume exercise, makeup over incisions, and other facial treatments only when cleared.
Follow your team’s specific instructions for medicines, wound care, and safe movement. Do not drive while taking sedating medicines or until you can safely operate a vehicle and your surgeon clears you.
Additional care.
- If cartilage was taken from your ear or rib, follow the separate donor-site dressing and activity instructions.
When to call.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, stroke symptoms, or sudden loss of vision need immediate emergency care. Do not wait for an office reply or use an online form.
Contact your care team promptly
- Seek urgent help for bleeding that is heavy or persistent, rapidly worsening swelling, or severe pain.
- Sudden vision changes or severe eye pain need immediate emergency evaluation.
- Report fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, spreading redness, pus, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Call sooner if you feel seriously unwell, even without a fever.
- New one-sided calf pain or swelling needs urgent medical assessment. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
Call 615.730.7500. After hours, follow the urgent-contact directions on your discharge paperwork. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are urgent, seek immediate medical care.
Stay connected.
Keep your scheduled follow-up and ask the team when to send an update or return sooner. Confirm any dressing, stitch, or drain removal with the office. Return to exercise, work, travel, and skin-care products should follow your individual clearance plan.
Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know your next visit date, medication plan, and after-hours contact instructions.
Sources & References
External references open in a new tab. Your care guide will stay open here.
These references provide general information. Follow your care team’s procedure-specific instructions and personal discharge plan.