If you’ve just had surgery to correct a deviated septum in Newport Beach, California, your doctor has probably given you a long list of post-operative instructions to follow to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. Here are eight tips to help make the healing process go as smoothly as possible. The best thing to do is visit an otolaryngology Newport Beach, CA center.
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No Sports or Strenuous Activities
Depending on how extensive your surgery was, your doctor may tell you to avoid physical activity for up to six weeks. This means no running, biking, or other strenuous sports. Even light exercise can increase the risk of infection and slow the healing process.
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Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and drinking can slow the healing process and increase your risk of infection. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor – they can recommend effective programs or medications to help you break the habit.
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Get Enough Resting Time
It’s essential to give your body plenty of time to rest and heal after surgery. Try to take it easy for the first few days and avoid staying up too late. This will help reduce the amount of stress on your body and allow you to recover more quickly.
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No Spicy or Hot Foods
Another post-operative instruction is often given to avoid consuming spicy or hot foods. These foods can irritate the surgical site and slow the healing process. Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods for the first few weeks after surgery. These spices will increase swelling and fluid buildup. Stick to light, easy-to-digest foods for the first few weeks after surgery.
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Take Your Medications as Directed
It’s vital to take all of the medications prescribed to you by your doctor, including pain medication and antibiotics. These will help reduce your risk of infection and ensure a more comfortable recovery.
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Keep The Surgical Site Clean
One of the most critical post-operative instructions is to keep the surgical site clean. This means washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with the site. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any redness, swelling, or drainage from the surgery.
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Wear Contacts Instead of Glasses
If you wear glasses, your doctor may tell you to switch to contacts for the first few weeks after surgery. It will help reduce the amount of pressure on the surgical site and allow it to heal more quickly. A good alternative is suspending your glasses from a headband.
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Be Well-Hydrated
It’s essential to drink plenty of fluids after septoplasty surgery to help flush out your system and avoid dehydration. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is recommended. You can also drink herbal teas, fruit juices, and broth-based soups.
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Balance Antibiotics with Probiotics
If you’re taking antibiotics after septoplasty surgery, it’s also essential to take probiotics to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Probiotics can be found in yogurt, miso soup, and certain types of cheese. You can also take them in supplement form.
There are many post-operative instructions that septoplasty patients need to follow. You must stick to them precisely to ensure your health and safety and a speedy recovery process. It’s always a good idea to reach out to a specialist on the best practices to stick to.
