Proper aftercare is crucial to complete recovery after undergoing an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery. Remember that specific instructions may vary depending on the type of surgery conducted, your health condition, and the body parts affected. In any case, it is extremely important to always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. As the surgery is usually less time-consuming, ENT surgery recovery is a crucial part of the entire process. In this blog, we have compiled a few of the general guidelines to follow for better recovery.
There are a few crucial rules to be followed immediately after surgery. Here are a couple of the ENT surgery recovery tips to be careful of:
Wound Dressing:
- Do not remove the dressing and inform the office if blood seeps through it.
- Follow every wound care instruction provided by the ENT specialist strictly. Most importantly, keep the dressing clean and dry.
Rest and Recovery:
Rest is crucial in the immediate aftermath of surgery. Avoid all strenuous activities until your doctor clears you and get plenty of sleep.
Swelling or Bruising:
To reduce swelling in the affected area you should elevate your head on pillows while sleeping. You can also use an ice pack to cool the area while keeping it dry at all times.
Pain Management:
Be sure to take your pain medicines as prescribed and try to avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Inform your doctor if you experience severe pain or have other complications immediately.
Antibiotics Medication:
Take your antibiotics medication as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection. They should preferably be started on the evening before the surgery.
ENT procedure recuperation is a lengthy process and requires multiple days to completely heal. Here are a few tips for the days following surgery:
Dressing and Aftercare:
- Once the sutures are removed you must remember to keep the dressing on until it comes off on its own.
- If the dressing comes off then clean the area with hydrogen peroxide twice a day and apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. Cover the area with a band-aid.
Hydration and Nutrition:
Stay hydrated and follow the diet provided by your surgeon. Keep your meals light and easy.
Activity Level:
Avoid heavy exercise until approved by your doctor after which you can slowly increase your activity level as directed.
Scarring or Discolouration:
It takes almost 3 -4 months for the skin color to completely minimize. To reduce any scarring in the area of incision we recommend using sunscreen with SPF 15.
Lastly, remember to follow the personalized guidance provided by your healthcare team. If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for clarification.
We understand that every surgery and individual is unique, so we believe that aftercare is just as crucial as the surgery itself. As the best ENT hospital in Nagercoil, our ENT team has expert specialists and medical professionals who are committed to giving you the best surgery and recovery experience.