NASAL AND SINUS SURGERY
INFORMATION SHEET
Please read this sheet as it contains important information about the NASAL AND SINUS operation that you
or your family member has undergone.
What can you expect in the 14 days after this operation that is “NORMAL”.
 The inside of your nose will feel blocked, swollen and sensitive and your sense of smell may be
temporarily affected.
 The tip of your nose may also feel very sensitive.
 You maybe aware of fluid, mucus and blood inside your nose
 It is normal to experience a slight ooze of blood or darkish “purple” coloured mucus from the nose
and down the back of the throat for a few days.
 There may be sutures inside the front of the nose. These are dissolvable and do not need to be
removed. They are really small but because your nose is sensitive, they may feel relatively large.
Please do not pull on these or try remove them. This can affect the outcome of your operation.
 Your upper front teeth may feel sensitive. This is because the operation has taken place in your
nose that is the roof of your mouth and this is referred sensation.
 Do not be alarmed at what comes out of your nose. Often there is dissolvable sponge like packing
that when mixed with dry blood and secretions can appear very strange.
What can you do to make your recovery easier?
 Take your pain medication regularly
 Please do not “fiddle” with your finger inside your nose
 You will be prescribed 2 kinds of sprays for your nose. The first will
“Decongest” and make your breathing easier. The second is very important and will be a saline
spray to help clear secretion
 You will also be prescribed a saline wash bottle/douche that will give you great relief.
 After 2-3 days, you may blow your nose very gently.

If your nose bleeds excessively, please sit forward, and pinch the nostrils closed AT THE FRONT OF YOUR
NOSE. Wait at least 10 minutes for the bleeding to stop. DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE AFTER THIS for a few
hours, as you will dislodge the clots and restart the bleeding. If this does not help, please go immediately
to your nearest emergency department
PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE ME FOR A POST OPERATIVE VISIT AND REVIEW
BETWEEN 7-14 DAYS AFTER YOUR OPERATION