Background: Nasal packing is routinely used after septoplasty because it is believed to decrease risk of postoperative bleeding, hematomas, and adhesions. Multiple studies have shown, however, that there are numerous complications associated with nasal packing.
Following a septoplasty, patients will be outfitted with soft nose packing material. This is used to help soothe the newly exposed skin inside of the nose. It also helps prevent over-drying, bleeding, and scarring. However, the packing may drip with some watery blood, which is completely normal.
I use a very delicate suture technique known as mattressing to remove the need for nasal packing after rhinoplasty or septoplasty. A small, dissolvable stitch is used to bring the septum into the midline and secure it so that blood clots will not form. The stitches dissolve in about a week and cause no discomfort.
After surgery the nasal packing will stay moist or even drip with watery blood, which is normal. On the second day after your surgery, you are to remove your nasal packing with the help of your family and friends as described below.
Most patients feel well enough to go home the day of surgery. You will most likely go home without nasal packing.
What to expect from a nasal packing? It is normal to experience some pain/discomfort when the nasal pack is insert but this will settle with time. You may find it helpful to take pain killers such as paracetamol to help with the discomfort.
Background: Nasal septal suturing is a commonly used alternative treatment to nasal packing after septoplasty. Besides alleviating postoperative discomfort, extensive studies have shown that nasal septal suturing is more effective than nasal packing.
You should expect some swelling around the nose for two or three days, and may elect to miss a few days of work or school while the nose heals. There is usually little pain after surgery. If you experience discomfort, your surgeon may suggest over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen.
Postoperative Septoplasty and/or Turbinate Surgery (without Sinus Surgery) Instructions. Sleep with your head slightly elevated for 2-3 days. No heavy lifting or straining for 7 days. Do not blow your nose or sniff forcefully.
Most people recover fully in 1 to 2 months. You will have to visit your doctor during the 3 to 4 months after your surgery.
However, congestion may be experienced after these nose procedures, though this is not a reason to worry. Nasal congestion is a common temporary occurrence following the mentioned procedures due to the swelling of the tissues.
The unpleasant part of this procedure is postoperative nasal packing and the pain and discomfort during removal of the nasal packs.
Postoperative care:
After five days you may blow your nose and sniff in very gently. If you have to sneeze, do so with your mouth open. You may lubricate the inside of the nostrils by very gently applying Bacitracin ointment with a Q-tip.
Nose blowing - You may sniff (even vigorously) if you feel you need to clear your nose. Realize that the interior of the nose will be swollen for four to seven days and may not clear—even with the most forceful attempts. Blowing your nose too early in the healing process can cause bleeding.
Luckily, one week post-operatively, it is safe to resume sleeping on your back or side, provided that you are careful to avoid putting pressure on your nose. While it is safe to lie flat on your back or carefully on your side, it is important to understand that doing so may prolong swelling and bruising.
Many people with septal deviations find symptomatic relief via medications sufficient and don't require surgery. For that reason, treatment almost always begins with medical interventions. But for people who have major structural issues or those don't respond to medications, surgery likely is needed.
Some people find it is more comfortable to sleep in a recliner because it keeps your head in an elevated position. Either way, keeping your head above your chest helps diminish swelling and congestion. Keeping your head raised 20 to 45 degrees is ideal for the best drainage.
You had septoplasty to fix the problems in your nasal septum. This surgery takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours. You may have received general anesthesia so you were asleep and pain free.
Sneezing can cause further trauma to the fragile, yet sensitive nose and compromise the procedure's results.
Nasal packing takes up space in your nose and lessens the airflow into your nose, making it harder to breathe through your nose. It can also block your sinuses from draining and block the flow of your tears into the nose. You may feel like you have a cold while the packing is in place.
Overall, nasal packs were successful in 87.5%. Longer duration packs (≥21 hours) were more successful than shorter-duration packs (89.9% vs. 84.3%, χ2 P = . 028).