For patients experiencing sinusitis, sinus surgery is a life-changing operation that can significantly improve one’s quality of life.
However, sinus surgery patients must remember that the recovery process is just as important as the operation itself in achieving the desired results.
While your surgeon can prescribe medication and offer advice on how to best recover from the operation, it falls to patients to ensure they follow these guidelines as they heal.
Here, triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jose Barrera offers 5 of his best tips for those recovering from sinus surgery in San Antonio, Texas.
1) Change Your Drip Pad Regularly
Immediately after the procedure, patients will have a drip pad under their nose to collect mucus and blood. Following sinus surgery, patients should expect bleeding while the wounds seal and the blood clots, so this drip pad might need changing every hour for the first 12-24 hours after surgery.
Change your drip pad when the blood starts to bleed through the material.
2) Get as Much Sleep as Possible – but with a Raised Head
Sleep is when your body can channel its energy towards healing from your sinus surgery. So, it’s important to get as much rest as possible in the days and weeks following surgery – but don’t lie flat (lying flat will cause the drip to uncomfortably go back into the throat).
Instead, lie on your back with your head elevated with 3-4 pillows.
3) Try and Walk Every Day
Gently walking – nothing tiring, not breaking a sweat – just gently walking is suitable for recovery. It encourages blood flow, gets you outside, gets vitamin D from the sun, and helps prevent side effects of inactivity such as constipation.
4) Don’t Blow Your Nose
As tempting as it may be, do not blow your nose for two weeks after your surgery. The force exerted on the tissue and region can slow healing and re-open wounds, so avoid blowing your nose at all costs.
If you must sneeze, open your mouth and sneeze naturally, not allowing any excess pressure to build up inside the nasal cavity.
5) After Bandages and Packing are Removed, Clean Your Nose with Saline
Cleaning your nose once packing is removed is essential to avoid infection and keep your nasal passages open. Your plastic surgeon will suggest a saline (saltwater) solution from the drugstore. Don’t make your own saline at home, as salt and water from around the house may contain bacteria not suitable for your healing nose.
Sinus Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Sinus surgery can solve all manner of issues with the nasal passageway. From snoring and breathing problems to sinusitis and post-nasal drip, sinus surgery can really change your life. But you need to ensure you do the right things during recovery.
If you’re considering sinus surgery, call 210 468 5426 or fill out Dr. Barrera’s online form to discuss how we can improve your life today. Dr. Barrera and his team at Endormir Sleep and Sinus Institute look forward to meeting you soon!
