Otorhinolaryngology focuses on the ear, nose, and throat. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and voice disorders.
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The success of SMR surgery depends heavily on how well the patient takes care of themselves during the recovery period. While the surgery fixes the structure, the healing process restores its function. The recovery from nasal surgery can be frustrating because of the congestion, but it is generally not a high-pain recovery compared to other surgeries. It requires patience, as the full benefits are not felt immediately.
This section guides the patient through the timeline of healing. From the moment of waking up to the final follow-up appointment, knowing what is normal and what to do helps prevent complications. The focus is on rest, hygiene, and avoiding activities that could damage the delicate healing tissues.
Waking up from anesthesia, you will likely feel groggy and sleepy. Your nose will feel very stuffy, heavily congested, and perhaps a bit numb. It is common to have a “drip pad” or a piece of gauze taped under your nose to catch any fluid. This sensation is normal. The nose will drain a mixture of mucus and blood for the first day or two.
Once you are alert and your vital signs are stable, you will be discharged to go home. The most important thing to do in the first 24 hours is to rest. Keep your head elevated. Use two or three pillows when you lie down. Keeping the head higher than the heart reduces swelling and throbbing. Do not try to do chores or work. Just stay in bed or on the couch.
You might wake up breathing through your mouth because your nose is packed or swollen shut. This causes a dry mouth, so having water or ice chips handy is helpful. The nurses will make sure your pain is under control before you leave.
The ride home should be gentle. Once home, change the drip pad under your nose as often as needed. It may need changing every hour at first, then less frequently. Seeing bright red blood is normal at first, but it should slow down to a pinkish fluid by the next day.
Most patients are surprised to discover that the pain is manageable. It is often described as a dull ache or pressure, similar to a severe sinus infection, rather than a sharp pain. The tip of the nose might feel tender to the touch. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication. Take it as directed, especially for the first couple of days, to stay ahead of the discomfort.
Many patients find they can switch to over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen) after a few days. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless your doctor says it is okay, as these can increase bleeding risks. Using an ice pack gently placed over the eyes or forehead (not directly on the nose bridge) can also help numb the area and reduce swelling.
In the past, doctors used to pack the nose tightly with long strips of gauze, which was very uncomfortable to remove. Modern techniques rarely use this type of packing. Today, surgeons often use soft silicone splints. These look like thin plastic sheets that sit inside the nose against the septum. They act like a cast for the nose wall, holding it straight while it heals.
Some splints have tubes in them to allow a little bit of air to pass through, but you will still feel blocked. These splints are usually removed at your first follow-up visit, typically 5 to 7 days after surgery. The removal process is quick and brings immediate relief. While the splints are in, you may feel like you have a clothespin on your nose. This discomfort is annoying but temporary.
Keeping the inside of the nose clean is crucial for healing. Because you cannot blow your nose, mucus and blood can dry and form crusts. Your doctor will instruct you to use saline (saltwater) sprays or rinses. This keeps the inside of the nose moist and gently washes away debris.
You might be asked to use a saline spray every few hours. This prevents the blood from drying into rigid scabs that are painful. Gentle irrigation helps reduce the risk of infection and speeds up the healing of the mucous membrane. Do not blow your nose forcefully for at least a week or two. If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open to release the pressure without hurting your nose.
For the first week, your activity level should be very low. Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining. Straining increases the blood pressure in your head, which can cause a nosebleed. You should take time off work or school—usually about one week is sufficient.
Avoid strenuous exercise like running or weightlifting for at least two to three weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for much longer to prevent the nose from getting hit. Your doctor will give you a specific timeline for returning to the gym. Listen to your body; if your nose starts throbbing, you are doing too much.
While the initial recovery takes about a week, complete healing takes longer. Once the splints are removed after week one, you will notice a giant improvement in breathing. However, the internal tissues will stay slightly swollen for several weeks. You might have days where you breathe clearly and days where you feel a bit stuffy again. This fluctuation is normal.
It can take up to 3–6 months for all the subtle swelling to completely disappear. During this time, the sensation inside the nose will return to normal, and the hardness of the tip (if any) will soften. Be patient with the process. The final result—clear, unobstructed breathing—is worth the wait.
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Usually, you must wait at least one to two weeks before gently blowing your nose. Your doctor will tell you exactly when it is safe.
Splints are typically removed 5 to 7 days after the surgery during your first office visit.
It is generally not painful, but it feels weird. It is a quick sensation of sliding, followed by immediate relief and better breathing.
Since SMR does not break the outer nasal bones, you can usually wear glasses immediately. However, check with your doctor to be certain.
Most people return to desk jobs or school after about one week. Jobs requiring heavy lifting may require two weeks of recovery.
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