Post-Surgical Care Instructions

Limit physical activity for at least a day or two after surgery. When lying down, keep your head elevated with an extra pillow or by placing a thick book under the mattress for the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2-3 days after surgery.

Rest

Pain Relief

Some surgeries require antibiotics. If prescribed, take the full course as directed. If you develop itching, a rash, or swelling, stop taking the medication immediately and call our office at (587) 486-9868.

If you have trouble breathing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

You will have been advised to take either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed pain medications. For most patients, 400mg of Advil (Ibuprofen) effectively controls pain. If you are allergic to or cannot tolerate aspirin-like medications, do not take Advil. Alternatives include:

  • 325mg or 500mg Tylenol (OTC) up to 1000 mg
  • Tylenol with codeine (by prescription)

If Advil or Tylenol alone do not control your pain, you may take them together for better relief. However, do not exceed 2400mg of Advil (Ibuprofen) or 4000 mg (Tylenol) in 24 hours.

Pain levels can vary. It is common for pain to peak around day 3—this is normal.

If sinus involvement: Use a decongestant as directed by your surgeon. Avoid activities that create sinus pressure, such as blowing your nose forcefully or drinking through a straw, for at least 7 days.

Antibiotics

Do not brush or floss the surgical site for at least one week, unless otherwise instructed. This can cause stitches to loosen or disrupt healing.

Instead, use an antibacterial rinse provided at surgery:
  • Swish for 30 seconds and spit it out twice daily (follow bottle instructions).
  • Do not swallow the rinse.
  • You may also gently swab the site with a Q-tip dipped in the rinse.
  • Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt in 1 cup of warm water) several times a day to promote healing.

Oral Hygiene

Swelling is common and expected. Reduce swelling by applying an ice pack over the surgical area on and off every 20 minutes during the first 24 hours after surgery.

Swelling is often worse in the morning because of lying down overnight. It will gradually improve as you move around.

Swelling

We use both dissolving and non-dissolving stitches. If you have non-dissolving stitches, you will need an appointment in 2 weeks for removal.

Dissolving stitches may start to fall out within 2 days—this is normal. If a stitch comes loose and is bothersome, you may carefully trim it with small scissors.

We may also use medical glue, which will gradually wear off as healing progresses.

Stitches

  • A mild nosebleed may occur within the first two days after surgery.
  • Pinch your nostrils and tilt your head back to stop the bleeding.

Bleeding

  • Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours, as this may cause bleeding.
  • Do not use a straw for the first 48 hours, as this can disturb clot formation.

Rinsing

If you have any concerns, please call our office at (587) 486-9868.

For emergency assistance outside office hours, call Dr. Merrill at (587) 257-0102.

Nutrition

Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications. Avoid smoking as much as possible.

Alcohol can interfere with some pain medications and antibiotics. It can also increase bleeding risk. Avoid alcohol for at least the first few days after surgery.

Smoking and Alcohol

Eat a soft diet and avoid hard, crunchy foods, small seeds, and popcorn, as these can get trapped in the surgical area.

If eating is difficult, consider liquid food supplements to maintain nutrition. Diabetic patients should try to stick to their normal diet as closely as possible.

You can download a PDF of our Post-Surgical Care Instructions below for easy reference.

Prefer a printable version?

Problems or Concerns?

For sinus surgery patients:

Mild blood staining in saliva is normal after surgery. Profuse bleeding is very rare.


If bleeding occurs:

  • Apply firm pressure with a moistened tea bag for 20 minutes.
  • If bleeding continues after 40 minutes, call our office.
  • If unable to reach us, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Do not brush or floss the surgical site for at least one week, unless otherwise instructed. This can cause stitches to loosen or disrupt healing.

Instead, use an antibacterial rinse provided at surgery:
  • Swish for 30 seconds and spit it out twice daily (follow bottle instructions).
  • Do not swallow the rinse.
  • You may also gently swab the site with a Q-tip dipped in the rinse.
  • Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt in 1 cup of warm water) several times a day to promote healing.