CHOOSING A SURGEON

Question: Do you give your patients written post-surgery instructions?

Answer: A copy is reproduced here:

PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please read & familiarize yourself with these instructions both BEFORE & AFTER surgery. By following them carefully you will assist in obtaining the best possible result from your surgery. If questions arise, do not hesitate to communicate with me and discuss your questions at any time. Take this list to the hospital with you and begin observing these directions on the day of surgery.
1. Do not blow nose until instructed. Wipe or dab nose gently with Kleenex if necessary.
2. Change dressing under nose (if present) until drainage stops.
3. The nasal cast will remain in place for approximately one week and will be removed in the office. Do not disturb it; keep it dry.
4. Avoid foods that require prolonged chewing. Otherwise, your diet has no restrictions.
5. Avoid extreme physical activity. Obtain more rest than you usually get and avoid exertion, including athletic activities & intercourse.
6. Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush only. Avoid manipulation of upper lip to keep nose at rest.
7. Avoid excess or prolonged telephone conversations and social activities for at least 10-14 days.
8. You may wash your face - carefully avoid the dressing. Take tub baths until the dressings are removed.
9. Avoid smiling, grinning, and excess facial movements for one week.
10. Do not wash hair for one week unless you have someone do it for you. DO NOT GET NASAL DRESSINGS WET.
11. Wear clothing that fastens in front or back for 1 wk. Avoid slipover sweaters, T-shirts and turtlenecks.
12. Absolutely avoid sun or sun lamps for 6 weeks after surgery; heat may cause the nose to swell. Thereafter, use sunscreens.
13. Don't swim for one month, since injuries are common during swimming.
14. Following removal of the dressing, the nose, eyes, and upper lip generally show some swelling & discoloration - this usually clears up in 2-3 weeks. In certain patients it may require 12-18 months for all swelling to completely subside.
15. Take only medications prescribed by your doctor(s).
16. Unless instructed otherwise, do not wear regular glasses or sunglasses which rest on the bridge of the nose for at least 4 weeks. We will instruct you in the method of taping the glasses to your forehead to avoid pressure on the nose.
17. Contact lenses may be worn beginning 2-3 days after surgery.
18. After the doctor removes your nasal cast, the skin of the nose may be cleansed with a mild soap or Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion. BE GENTLE. Makeup may be used as soon as the bandages are removed.
19. When we remove your splint, your nose will be swollen and will remain so for several weeks. In fact, it takes at least one year for all swelling to subside.
20. DON'T TAKE CHANCES! - If you are concerned about anything you consider significant, call me.

Ask Dr. Becker a question about corrective nose surgery or arrange an appointment for a nose surgery consultation, by calling 856-589-NOSE (6673) or emailing us at info@revisionrhinoplasty.com.

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