Nose surgery aftercare
What to do after nose surgery
How you care for your nose in the first weeks affects your recovery. Here is what to do after surgery, from cold packs to when your stitches and splint come off.
Your recovery, step by step
- First 3 days
- Apply cold packs often
- From day 4
- Switch to warm packs
- Days 4–5
- Splint comes off
- Take care not to bump your nose
- Days 4–7
- Stitches come out
- Normal face washing and makeup after that
- Up to 4 weeks
- No alcohol or smoking
- No heavy exercise
- No glasses resting on your nose
Right after surgery
For 3 days after surgery, apply cold packs around your eyes and cheeks. Repeat 15 minutes of cooling and a 5-minute break to ease swelling. After 3 days, switch to warm packs to help the swelling go down faster.
You can wash your face normally once your stitches are out. You can also wear makeup from then on.
Some blood and mucus may come out of your nose after surgery. Gently wipe it away, and do not touch your nose.
Stitches, splint and follow-up visits
- 01
Stitch removalYour stitches come out 4–7 days after surgery. A nurse will guide you.
- 02
Splint removalYour splint comes off 4–5 days after surgery. After that, take care not to bump your nose.
- 03
Post-op careYou need post-op care at the clinic every day for 5–7 days after surgery. If you cannot come in, talk with us and we can change the date.
- 04
Care hoursWeekdays 11:00–18:00 and Saturdays 11:00–15:00. Patients are seen in order of arrival, so you may have to wait a little.
Daily life after surgery
- 01
MedicationDo not skip your prescribed medicine, and take it after meals. Take a painkiller when you feel pain.
- 02
OintmentWe prescribe Terramycin, an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointment. For 1 week after surgery, apply a thin layer to the wound twice a day with a cotton swab. Apply it gently, since rubbing can injure the wound. A nurse will show you how.
- 03
Posture and sleepSitting up keeps swelling down better than lying down. Keep your pillow high when you sleep. A light walk helps your circulation.
- 04
For 4 weeks after surgeryAvoid alcohol, smoking, heavy exercise, and glasses or goggles that rest on your nose. These can slow your recovery and may cause inflammation.
Skipping these precautions can slow your recovery and may lead to inflammation. Aftercare matters as much as the surgery itself.
Questions or worries?
Message us on WhatsApp
We answer in English on WhatsApp (+82 10-9608-0042). If you are worried about pain or swelling, a photo helps us understand.