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Septoplasty
Septoplasty recovery doesn’t involve too much work. In fact, less is better if you want to recover fast and avoid any complications. There are various things you should and shouldn’t avoid while recovering from a septoplasty procedure.
Keep on reading to discover the seven septoplasty recovery tips you should be aware of.
Avoid taking showers and bathe instead to ensure your bandages stay clean and dry. Try washing your face with a wet cloth and remove any discharge around your nose and nostrils with a cotton swab to keep the surgical site clean. When changing your bandages, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions thoroughly and be cautious to not move silicone splints or bandage-like material placed in or around your nostrils. After recovering completely, schedule an appointment with your surgeon to let them remove the bandages and absorbable suture for you.
Avoiding vigorous activity is essential for a speedy and safe sinus surgery recovery. Sports and vigorous activities can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, causing swelling and exhaustion that will impair your normal wound healing. By participating in such activities, you also increase your risk of injury as there are high chances you may bump or hit your nose. To prevent additional pain and revision surgery, make sure to rest and maintain only light activity until your nose is fully healed.
It’s necessary to ask for at least seven days off at your job after the surgery. The more free time you have, the better your body will heal. Avoiding stress and relaxing is essential to healing, and allows your body to concentrate its resources on recovery. If you work from home and your job requires you to spend lots of time sitting at the computer, try reducing your workload to have more time to rest.
Avoiding foods that cause tissue irritation is vital for a safe recovery. Spicy foods may hinder your healing by irritating your nostrils and sinuses, leading to increased swelling and fluid retention. Avoid consuming hot drinks or foods as they may heat your nose and mouth, which can cause a nosebleed.
Make sure to go outside and take regular light walks to help yourself stay healthy both mentally and physically. Regular walks will help improve your blood flow and reduce toxins and accumulated fluids from the operated area. Fresh air and invigorated blood circulation are also good for healing. Besides, walking is a perfect way to keep yourself active without straining your body during recovery.
Avoiding wearing glasses during the first weeks of recovery is essential to prevent unnecessary stress and pressure on the nose while it’s healing. You might want to consider wearing contact lenses as they don’t put any pressure on the bridge of your nose. If contacts aren’t an option for you, try to suspend your glasses from a headband while reading, or just don’t wear them during recovery.
If your surgeon prescribed you antibiotics to take during the recovery, try balancing out their effects with probiotics. They can help minimize the negative effects of your prescription medicine and should be taken a few hours after or before you take antibiotics to provide the greatest benefits. Some great sources of prebiotics include fermented foods, yogurt, and supplements.
If you’re planning to undergo a septoplasty to treat chronic sinusitis, remove nasal polyps, or simply fix a blocked nasal airway, consider following the aforementioned tips during your recovery. Also, always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid any complications.
