Important

When to Seek Immediate Care

Most recoveries are smooth, but know the signs that require prompt attention.

Go to the ER or call 911 immediately if you experience:

Active bleeding that does not stop
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
Severe uncontrolled pain not relieved by medication
Signs of dehydration (no urination >8 hours, dry mouth)
Swallowing difficulty causing inability to keep fluids down
Chest pain or rapid/irregular heartbeat
Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, or pus

Austin: 512-339-4040 Lakeway: 512-682-4798

Post-Op Guides

Post-Op Care Instruction Sheets

View your post-operative care instructions online or download the PDF to print. Always refer to your specific discharge instructions provided by your physician.

Medications: Take all prescribed medications as directed. Do not stop antibiotics early. For most procedures, Tylenol along with over-the-counter ibuprofen or Aleve (per the bottle) is sufficient for pain. Some procedures (most notably tonsillectomy) require avoiding ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs; your specific discharge instructions will note this if it applies.

Diet & hydration: Stay well hydrated. Clear fluids, broths, and light meals are typically tolerated first. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after anesthesia and while taking prescription pain medications.

Driving & alertness: Do not drive for 24 hours after general anesthesia or while taking narcotic pain medication. Arrange transportation in advance.

Follow-up: Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments. These visits are not optional; they are a critical part of your recovery and surgical outcome.

Signs of infection: Increasing (rather than decreasing) redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at any surgical site warrants prompt evaluation. Call our office during business hours, or go to an urgent care or ER after hours.

Throat, Airway & Voice Procedures

Tonsillectomy Hydration, scheduled pain control, the 2-week soft diet, and what to watch for after tonsil removal.

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What to Expect
- A very sore throat and pain with swallowing is expected. Pain may worsen over the first few days before it improves.
- Ear pain is normal. It is referred from the throat because the sensory nerves cross paths.
- Temporary tongue discomfort, numbness, or altered taste, caused by the tongue retractor used during surgery.
- A fever up to 101° F may occur within the first couple of days.
- Bad breath for the first week or two.
- Nausea or decreased appetite for the first few days.
- Mild, temporary change in voice.
- White patches in the back of the throat are a normal part of healing, not an infection.
What to Do
- Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do: a minimum of 30 to 40 oz of water daily. Using a straw is fine.
- Eat soft foods for 2 weeks after surgery. Even if you feel completely healed, the scab can still come off early and cause bleeding.
- Schedule pain medication (for example, every 4 to 6 hours) for the first few days so you do not fall behind on pain control.
- Ibuprofen is typically OK after tonsillectomy. You can alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen per the instructions on the bottle. For example: Tylenol, then ibuprofen 3 hours later, then Tylenol 3 hours after that.
- In some instances, your surgeon may ask you to avoid ibuprofen to potentially decrease bleeding risk, and may prescribe narcotic pain medication instead. We will let you know if this applies to you.
What Not to Do
- No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 2 weeks after surgery. Children should not do any hard playing or get worn out for 2 weeks.
- For the first 48 hours after surgery, most of the time should be spent in bed or seated in a chair.
- Children returning to school after 1 week should skip recess and P.E. for 2 weeks.
- Do not travel for 2 weeks after surgery.
- Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin for 2 weeks after surgery.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Call us immediately at 512-339-4040 for ANY bleeding from the mouth. If bleeding is persistent, go immediately to the St. David's North Austin Medical Center ER (or the closest ER for a true emergency).
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Unable to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated.
Adenoidectomy What to expect for congestion, snoring, diet, and warning signs after adenoid removal.

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What to Expect
- A sore throat is expected. This usually resolves after a few days.
- Ear pain may occur. It is referred from the throat because the sensory nerves cross paths.
- Temporary tongue discomfort, numbness, or altered taste, caused by the tongue retractor used during surgery.
- Continued snoring and nasal congestion until the swelling goes down (up to 2 weeks).
- A fever up to 101° F may occur within the first couple of days.
- Bad breath for about 2 weeks. Extra tooth and tongue brushing does not help.
- Nausea or decreased appetite for the first few days.
- Mild bleeding from the nose may occur.
- Mild, temporary change in voice.
What to Do
- Start with soft foods and advance to a regular diet as tolerated.
- Pain can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol. Ibuprofen is typically OK, but in some instances your surgeon may ask you to avoid it to potentially decrease bleeding risk. We will let you know if this applies to you.
What Not to Do
- We recommend not traveling out of town or flying for 1 week in case of bleeding.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Call us immediately at 512-339-4040 for ANY bleeding from the nose or mouth. If bleeding is persistent, go immediately to the St. David's North Austin Medical Center ER (or the closest ER for a true emergency).
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Unable to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated.
- Severe neck pain, or neck pain that does not respond to pain medication within 48 hours.
Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Hydration, scheduled pain control, congestion and snoring expectations, and warning signs when tonsils and adenoids are removed together.

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What to Expect
- A very sore throat and pain with swallowing is expected. Pain may worsen over the first few days before it improves.
- Ear pain is normal. It is referred from the throat because the sensory nerves cross paths.
- Temporary tongue discomfort, numbness, or altered taste, caused by the tongue retractor used during surgery.
- Continued snoring and nasal congestion until the swelling goes down (up to 2 weeks).
- A fever up to 101° F may occur within the first couple of days.
- Bad breath for the first week or two. Extra tooth and tongue brushing does not help.
- Nausea or decreased appetite for the first few days.
- Mild bleeding from the nose may occur.
- Mild, temporary change in voice.
- White patches in the back of the throat are a normal part of healing, not an infection.
What to Do
- Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do: a minimum of 30 to 40 oz of water daily. Using a straw is fine.
- Eat soft foods for 2 weeks after surgery. Even if you feel completely healed, the scab can still come off early and cause bleeding.
- Schedule pain medication (for example, every 4 to 6 hours) for the first few days so you do not fall behind on pain control.
- Ibuprofen is typically OK after tonsillectomy. You can alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen per the instructions on the bottle. For example: Tylenol, then ibuprofen 3 hours later, then Tylenol 3 hours after that.
- In some instances, your surgeon may ask you to avoid ibuprofen to potentially decrease bleeding risk, and may prescribe narcotic pain medication instead. We will let you know if this applies to you.
What Not to Do
- No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 2 weeks after surgery. Children should not do any hard playing or get worn out for 2 weeks.
- For the first 48 hours after surgery, most of the time should be spent in bed or seated in a chair.
- Children returning to school after 1 week should skip recess and P.E. for 2 weeks.
- Do not travel for 2 weeks after surgery.
- Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin for 2 weeks after surgery.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Call us immediately at 512-339-4040 for ANY bleeding from the nose or mouth. If bleeding is persistent, go immediately to the St. David's North Austin Medical Center ER (or the closest ER for a true emergency).
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Unable to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated.
- Severe neck pain, or neck pain that does not respond to pain medication within 48 hours.
Inspire Implant Incision care, swelling, neck exercises, and activity limits after Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulator surgery.

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What to Expect
- Pain and soreness around the incisions.
- Mild swelling around the incisions. You may have more noticeable swelling at the neck incision due to inflammation of the submandibular gland. This is temporary and usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Mild oozing from around the incisions.
- Your tongue will likely be sore for a few days after surgery.
- Your Inspire implant is usually activated about 1 month after surgery. This is a separate appointment with a sleep medicine doctor.
What to Do
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Let warm, soapy water run over the wounds.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- Eat a regular diet.
- Perform neck rolls, 10 clockwise and 10 counterclockwise, 3 times per day.
- Avoid exercises that involve lifting your arms above your head for 2 weeks.
What Not to Do
- Do not submerge the wounds in water for 1 week. Do not scrub the wounds while showering.
- No heavy lifting or intense exercise for 2 weeks.
- No flying or travel until 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe pain.
- Persistent drainage from a wound, or worsening redness around a wound.
Vocal Fold Injection Augmentation Voice rest rules, hydration, and what a strained voice means in the weeks after vocal fold injection.

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What to Expect
- Throat pain for a few days after the procedure.
- Some discomfort while swallowing at first.
- After you resume talking, your voice will likely sound strained and tight for 1 to 2 weeks. You may have some hoarseness for 1 to 3 weeks, and your voice will gradually improve.
What to Do
- Resume a normal diet and light activity after the procedure.
- Drink plenty of water (about 60 oz per day).
- Continue reflux medication if it was prescribed.
- Take Tylenol as needed for pain.
What Not to Do
- Do not speak or whisper at all for 48 hours after the procedure. Then limit voice use for 5 days (for example, 15 minutes of talking per hour). This keeps the injection material from leaking out of the injection site while it heals.
- Avoid coughing and throat clearing.
- No heavy lifting or intense exercise for 1 week.
- Do not smoke.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe throat pain.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Direct Laryngoscopy Sore throat, soft diet, voice changes, and warning signs after direct laryngoscopy.

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What to Expect
- A sore throat for a few days after the procedure.
- Mild soreness of the lips, gums, or tongue, and sometimes temporary tongue numbness, from the scope used during the procedure.
- Mild hoarseness or voice changes. This is usually temporary.
- Some discomfort with swallowing at first.
- If biopsies were taken, the results are reviewed at your follow-up visit.
What to Do
- Eat a soft diet for several days after the procedure, then advance as tolerated.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- Most patients can return to work or school within 24 to 48 hours.
What Not to Do
- Avoid excessive coughing and throat clearing.
- Do not smoke.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Difficulty breathing: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- If your esophagus (food pipe) was also examined: chest pain, severe pain with swallowing, or fever are emergencies. Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Coughing or vomiting up blood beyond light streaks.
- Worsening, severe throat pain.
Injection Snoreplasty Expected palate ulcer, temporary worse snoring, soft diet, and when results appear after injection snoreplasty.

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What to Expect
- A sore palate for 3 to 5 days. Pain is usually mild to moderate and in some cases stronger pain medication is needed.
- An ulcer (raw area) on the soft palate is expected and normal. It heals within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Snoring often gets worse for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure because of palate swelling. This is temporary.
- The maximum treatment effect occurs 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure.
- A second injection is often performed 4 to 6 weeks after the first.
What to Do
- Start with a soft diet and advance to regular food as tolerated. There are no strict dietary restrictions.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- Stay well hydrated.
- You may return to work or school and resume normal activities the same day.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Throat swelling or any difficulty breathing: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Severe pain not controlled by pain medication.
- Persistent bleeding from the mouth.

Nose & Sinus Procedures

Sinus Surgery Saline rinses, Afrin limits, bleeding control, and activity limits after endoscopic sinus surgery.

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What to Expect
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first few days is expected.
- Nasal pain, facial pressure, and congestion are normal. You may feel more congested than you did before surgery. This is due to swelling and crusting.
- At your first post-op visit your sinuses will be cleaned (debrided). This is necessary for healing and is the standard of care. Each insurer covers it differently; some plans apply a deductible or do not cover it, so there may be an extra charge. Check with your insurer if you have questions (CPT code 31237).
What to Do
- Perform nasal saline irrigations at least 4 times per day until your first post-op visit. A sinus rinse kit (such as NeilMed Sinus Rinse) can be purchased at any drug store. Use it with room-temperature distilled water. The more you irrigate, the less crusting will need to be removed in clinic, and the better you will heal.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- If prescribed, take pain medication, steroids, and antibiotics as instructed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 2 weeks after surgery. Walking for exercise is fine and encouraged.
- Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks after surgery. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
- Do not travel for at least 1 week after surgery. Do not fly for 2 weeks after surgery.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F, changes in vision, eye swelling, worsening headache, worsening nasal pain, neck stiffness, or confusion.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.
Balloon Sinuplasty Rinse schedule, congestion expectations, and return-to-activity timing after balloon sinus dilation.

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What to Expect
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first few days is expected.
- Nasal pain, headaches, facial pressure, and nasal congestion are normal. You may feel more congested than you did before surgery. This is due to swelling and crusting.
- At your first post-op visit your sinuses will be cleaned (debrided). This is necessary for healing and is the standard of care. Each insurer covers it differently; some plans apply a deductible or do not cover it, so there may be an extra charge. Check with your insurer if you have questions (CPT code 31237).
What to Do
- Perform nasal saline irrigations at least 3 times per day until your first post-op visit. A sinus rinse kit (such as NeilMed Sinus Rinse) can be purchased at any drug store. Use it with room-temperature distilled water. The more you irrigate, the less crusting will need to be removed in clinic, and the better you will heal.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 1 week after surgery. Walking for exercise is fine and encouraged.
- Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks after surgery. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
- Do not travel out of town or fly for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F, changes in vision, eye swelling, worsening headache, worsening nasal pain, neck stiffness, or confusion.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.
Septoplasty & Inferior Turbinate Reduction Splint care, saline spray, numb teeth, and protecting a fragile nose after septoplasty with turbinate reduction.

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What to Expect
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first few days is expected. It is usually mild.
- You may have soft plastic splints inside your nose held in place by a stitch. These are removed at your first post-op visit.
- Nasal pain and congestion are normal. You will likely feel more congested than you did before surgery because of swelling and the splints (if in place).
- Your upper front teeth may feel numb. This almost always resolves within a few weeks.
- Your nose is fragile for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Avoid any injury to the nose during this period.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- No heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 2 weeks after surgery.
- Do not blow your nose for the first week. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
- Do not fly or travel for at least 1 week after surgery.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe nasal pain.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.
Inferior Turbinate Reduction Expected congestion and crusting, saline spray routine, and a 1-week activity limit after turbinate reduction.

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What to Expect
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first few days is expected. It is usually mild.
- Nasal pain and congestion are normal. You will likely feel more congested than you did before surgery because of swelling from the procedure.
- You may have crusting and dried blood in your nose.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 1 week after surgery.
- Do not blow your nose for the first week. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
- We recommend that you do not fly for 1 week after surgery.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.
VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling Crusting, antibiotic ointment, saline spray, and when to expect results after VivAer.

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What to Expect
- Mild bleeding for the first couple of days.
- Crusting in the nostrils for a few weeks.
- Your nostrils may be sore for a couple of weeks. This is usually very mild.
- You will likely feel more congested than you did before the procedure. This is due to swelling and will improve with time.
- Most patients reach the maximum benefit 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- Apply antibiotic ointment (for example, over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment) to the inside of the nostrils twice a day for 1 month.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- Do not blow your nose for the first week.
- Do not pick at the crusting inside your nose.
- If turbinate reduction was also performed, we recommend not flying for 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe nasal pain.
- Persistent bleeding from the nose.
ClariFix Cryotherapy Congestion, headache, saline spray, and the 2 to 6 week healing window after ClariFix.

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What to Expect
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first few days is expected. It is usually mild.
- Nasal pain and congestion are normal. You will likely feel more congested than you did before because of swelling from the procedure.
- You may have crusting and dried blood in your nose.
- Some patients have a headache after the procedure. This should resolve within a few hours.
- It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to fully heal and notice the reduction in nasal symptoms.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 1 week after the procedure.
- Do not blow your nose for the first week. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
- We recommend that you do not fly for 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.
- Persistent, severe headache.
RhinAer Congestion, saline spray routine, and the several-week healing window after RhinAer treatment for chronic runny nose.

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What to Expect
- Some bleeding from the nose for the first 1 to 2 days. It is usually mild.
- Nasal congestion and soreness are normal. You may feel more congested than you did before because of swelling from the procedure.
- You may have crusting and dried blood in your nose.
- Improvement in runny nose and congestion typically develops over several weeks as the treated nerves quiet down.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
What Not to Do
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or anything tiring for 1 week after the procedure.
- Do not blow your nose for the first week. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
- We recommend that you do not fly for 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.
- Worsening, severe nasal pain.
Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Ear fullness, nasal care, no nose-blowing or ear-popping, and when relief arrives after ETD.

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What to Expect
- A mild nosebleed for the first day.
- Some nasal congestion and soreness.
- Increased ear fullness at first, due to swelling from the procedure.
- Mild nausea or dizziness, which should resolve quickly.
- Most patients reach the maximum benefit 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for 72 hours. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- You may continue topical nasal steroids (such as Flonase) if you were already using them.
What Not to Do
- Avoid blowing your nose and popping your ears for the first week.
- Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for 1 week.
- No flying until 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe nasal or ear pain.
- Persistent nausea and dizziness.
- Persistent bleeding from the nose.
Closed Reduction of Nasal Fracture Internal and external splint care, saline spray, and protecting the nose for 6 weeks after fracture reduction.

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What to Expect
- Mild bleeding from the nose for the first few days.
- You may have soft plastic splints inside your nose held in place by a stitch. These are removed at your first post-op visit.
- Nasal pain and congestion are normal. You may feel more congested than you did before surgery because of swelling and the splints (if in place).
- Your upper front teeth may feel numb. This almost always resolves within a few weeks.
- Your nose is fragile for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Avoid any injury to the nose during this period.
- You may have a splint on the outside of your nose, held in place with tape and surgical glue. It is removed at your first post-op visit.
What to Do
- Use nasal saline spray every few hours while awake until your follow-up visit.
- You may use Afrin nasal spray as needed for bleeding and nasal congestion for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Stop Afrin after 3 to 5 days.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Tape a piece of gauze under your nose if there is mild bleeding. Change the gauze as needed.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- If the external splint falls off early, gently place it back on the nose and secure it with medical tape from a pharmacy.
What Not to Do
- No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks after surgery. Light jogging is fine.
- Do not blow your nose for the first week. Do not sneeze with your mouth closed.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe nasal pain.
- Persistent, heavy bleeding from the nose.

Ear & Hearing Procedures

Ear Tubes Ear drops, drainage, water precautions, and return to school or daycare after ear tube placement.

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What to Expect
- Ears may be sore for the first few days. Children may pull at their ears.
- Mild ear drainage may occur for the first few days, sometimes longer.
- If surgery was done under general anesthesia, nausea and stomach discomfort may occur for the first couple of days. Start with clear liquids and advance to a regular diet as tolerated.
- Tubes typically stay in place between 6 and 18 months, but may fall out earlier or later.
- A repeat hearing test is usually done at your follow-up visit.
What to Do
- Take Tylenol per the instructions on the bottle if needed for pain.
- Normal activity can resume the evening after surgery.
- Use the prescribed ear drops: 4 drops in each ear twice a day for 7 days after surgery.
- Restart the ear drops if ear drainage occurs.
- Most patients can return to daycare, school, or work and resume normal activity the day after surgery.
What Not to Do
- Ear plugs are not required in clean water (bathing, showering, swimming in clean pools). Ear plugs should be worn when swimming in potentially dirty water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. It is fine to use ear plugs any time water causes discomfort.
- It is fine to wipe the outside of the ear with a cloth, but do not use Q-tips to clean the ears.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent or foul-smelling ear drainage.
- Significant bleeding from the ears. Mild blood-tinged drainage is normal.
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
Myringoplasty with Graft Keeping the ear dry, graft protection, incision care, and activity limits after eardrum repair with a graft.

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What to Expect
- The ear and incision will be sore for the first few days.
- Hearing will likely be worse at first. You may also have ear fullness and hear popping sounds. This is due to packing in the ear.
- Mild ear drainage may occur. Place a cotton ball at the ear opening to catch drainage as needed.
- Mild dizziness is normal for the first few days.
What to Do
- Leave the ear shield in place for 24 hours.
- Take pain medication as needed. Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen are fine.
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery, and most patients can return to work or school the next day.
- Keep the ear completely dry until your surgeon clears you (usually at least 1 month). When showering, place a cotton ball just outside the ear canal and coat the outside of the cotton ball with Vaseline to act as a water barrier. This protects the graft while it heals.
- Apply antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) to the incision behind the ear twice a day.
What Not to Do
- Do not remove any ear canal packing. Be careful when removing the cotton ball.
- Do not swim, bathe, or submerge your head in water until your surgeon clears you.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity until your surgeon clears you (usually at least 1 month). This is to ensure the graft stays in place.
- Do not blow your nose, and sneeze only with your mouth open, until your surgeon clears you (usually at least 1 month).
- Do not use Q-tips to clean the ear.
- Do not pick at the incision or remove any skin glue.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent bleeding from the ear.
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Severe, persistent dizziness or vertigo.
- Worsening, severe ear pain or headaches.
Tympanoplasty Keeping the ear dry, packing and hearing changes, incision care, and activity limits after eardrum repair.

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What to Expect
- The ear and incision will be sore for the first few days.
- Hearing will likely be worse at first. You may also have ear fullness and hear popping sounds. This is due to packing in the ear.
- Mild ear drainage may occur. Place a cotton ball at the ear opening to catch drainage as needed.
- Mild dizziness is normal for the first few days.
What to Do
- Leave the ear shield in place for 24 hours.
- Take pain medication as needed. Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen are fine.
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery.
- Keep the ear completely dry until your surgeon clears you (usually at least 1 month). When showering, place a cotton ball just outside the ear canal and coat the outside of the cotton ball with Vaseline to act as a water barrier. This protects the graft while it heals.
- Apply antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) to the incision behind the ear twice a day.
What Not to Do
- Do not remove any ear canal packing. Be careful when removing the cotton ball.
- Do not swim, bathe, or submerge your head in water until your surgeon clears you.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity until your surgeon clears you (usually at least 1 month). This is to ensure the graft stays in place.
- Do not blow your nose, and sneeze only with your mouth open, until your surgeon clears you (usually at least 1 month).
- Do not use Q-tips to clean the ear.
- Do not pick at the incision or remove any skin glue.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent bleeding from the ear.
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Severe, persistent dizziness or vertigo.
- Worsening, severe ear pain or headaches.

Head & Neck Surgery

Parotidectomy Drain care, dressing removal, facial weakness and earlobe numbness, and wound care after parotid surgery.

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What to Expect
- Pain and soreness around the incision and along the side of your face and neck.
- Mild oozing from around the incision.
- You will go home with a drain, which is removed at your first post-operative visit. Before discharge, the nurse will teach you how to empty the drain and record the output.
- You may have weakness of all or part of your face on the side of surgery. This almost always improves with time, but may take several weeks to months.
- Numbness around the earlobe. This usually improves with time, but some degree of permanent numbness can occur.
What to Do
- Remove the head wrap dressing 24 hours after surgery.
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Let warm, soapy water run over the wound.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for 72 hours. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- If narcotic pain medication was prescribed, use it for breakthrough pain.
- Empty the surgical drain and record the output every 8 hours.
What Not to Do
- Do not submerge the wound in water. Do not scrub the wound while showering.
- No heavy lifting or intense exercise for 2 weeks.
- No flying or travel until 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe pain.
- Persistent drainage from the wound, or worsening redness around the wound.
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Excision Dressing and drain care, showering, and activity limits after thyroglossal duct cyst removal.

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What to Expect
- Pain and soreness around the incision and the front of your neck.
- Mild oozing from around the incision.
- You may go home with a drain, which is removed at your first post-operative visit. Before discharge, the nurse will teach you how to empty the drain and record the output.
What to Do
- Remove the gauze dressing 24 hours after surgery.
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Let warm, soapy water run over the wound.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for 72 hours. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- If narcotic pain medication was prescribed, use it for breakthrough pain.
- If a drain was placed, empty it and record the output every 8 hours.
What Not to Do
- Do not submerge the wound in water. Do not scrub the wound while showering.
- No heavy lifting or intense exercise for 2 weeks.
- No flying or travel until 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe pain.
- Persistent drainage from the wound, or worsening redness around the wound.
Neck Mass Biopsy Incision care, showering, drain care if one was placed, and activity limits after neck mass biopsy or excision.

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What to Expect
- Pain and soreness around the incision. Most patients go home the day of surgery.
- Mild oozing from around the incision.
- The incision is closed with sutures that either dissolve on their own or are removed in clinic.
- If a drain was placed, it is removed at your first post-operative visit. Before discharge, the nurse will teach you how to empty the drain and record the output.
- Plan to take at least several days off of work or school. Some patients feel ready to return sooner.
- The biopsy results are reviewed with you once they are available.
What to Do
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Let warm, soapy water run over the wound.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for 72 hours. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- If narcotic pain medication was prescribed, use it for breakthrough pain.
- If a drain was placed, empty it and record the output every 8 hours.
What Not to Do
- Do not submerge the wound in water. Do not scrub the wound while showering.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
- No flying or travel until 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe pain.
- Persistent drainage from the wound, or worsening redness around the wound.
Submandibular Gland Excision Incision care below the jawline, drain care if one was placed, and what temporary lip or tongue changes mean.

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What to Expect
- Pain and soreness around the incision below the jawline. Most patients go home the day of surgery.
- Mild oozing from around the incision.
- If a drain was placed, it usually stays for 1 to 2 days to prevent fluid collection. Before discharge, the nurse will teach you how to empty the drain and record the output.
- You may notice weakness of the lower lip or numbness of the tongue on the side of surgery. This is usually temporary and improves with time.
- Plan to take about one week off of work or school, depending on your recovery.
What to Do
- You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Let warm, soapy water run over the wound.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for 72 hours. Sleep with an extra pillow or two.
- Pain can typically be controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol and ibuprofen or Aleve, taken per the instructions on the bottle.
- If narcotic pain medication was prescribed, use it for breakthrough pain.
- If a drain was placed, empty it and record the output every 8 hours.
What Not to Do
- Do not submerge the wound in water. Do not scrub the wound while showering.
- No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
- No flying or travel until 1 week after the procedure.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Worsening, severe pain.
- Persistent drainage from the wound, or worsening redness around the wound.
- Significant swelling under the jawline or in the neck.
Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Lip swelling, soft foods, suture care, and when biopsy results arrive after a minor salivary gland (lip) biopsy.

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What to Expect
- Temporary swelling of the lower lip.
- Incision pain for a few days. It is usually controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Temporary numbness of the lower lip may occur.
- The wound is closed with dissolvable sutures. It is fine if the sutures come out early; the wound may just take a few days longer to fully heal.
- The biopsy results are reviewed at your follow-up visit.
What to Do
- Eat soft foods for the first few days, then advance to a regular diet.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed, per the instructions on the bottle.
- You may return to work or school and resume normal activities immediately.
What Not to Do
- Avoid manipulating the sutures with your tongue. This can cause them to come out early.
When to Call or See the Doctor
- Persistent fever over 101° F.
- Persistent bleeding from the biopsy site.
- Worsening pain or swelling of the lip.

Looking for allergy instructions? Allergy testing preparation and immunotherapy (shots and drops) guidance is covered on our allergy shots & drops and allergy care pages. Your allergy team also reviews these with you at each visit.

Questions?

We're Here During Your Recovery

Have a question not covered here? Our team is available by phone during business hours at all four locations.

Austin

12309 N Mopac Expy STE 100
Austin, TX 78758

512-339-4040

Lakeway

4 Lakeway Centre Ct Unit B
Lakeway, TX

512-682-4798

Marble Falls

801 Steve Hawkins Pkwy
Marble Falls, TX

830-992-2830

Dripping Springs

800 US-290
Dripping Springs, TX