VivAer Post-Op Instructions for a Comfortable Recovery
Persistent nasal congestion can have a significant impact on your life. Whether you experience fatigue from poor quality sleep or struggle with the constant discomfort of breathing through your mouth, not being able to breathe well through your nose can cause a myriad of effects that are difficult to juggle.
One solution we offer is VivAer, a non-invasive, in-office procedure done to relieve nasal obstructions. This surgical procedure is quick, effective, and safe, with very little recovery time. However, that doesn’t mean the recovery period shouldn’t be observed seriously.
Let’s review the importance of following your doctor’s VivAer post-op instructions, what to expect after the procedure, and some quick tips for a worry-free recovery.
What Is VivAer?
Previously, the only solutions for chronic nasal obstruction were medications or nasal strips that only offered short-term relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Alternatively, you could opt for surgery, but these procedures were often painful and invasive.
Fortunately, VivAer is now an option for millions of people who suffer from chronic nasal congestion. The VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling surgery is ideal for people with chronic nasal congestion or stuffiness. It only takes a few minutes and is completed under local anesthesia right in your doctor’s office.
During the procedure, your ENT doctor will insert a small wand into your nostril and apply low-temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy to the specific areas of obstruction. This gently reshapes the inside of your nose, improving airflow so you can breathe easier.
The Importance of Following Your VivAer Post-Op Instructions
As with any surgical procedure, you’ll need to partner with your doctor to ensure that you recover smoothly and without any major or minor issues. Being gentle with yourself and following your ENT doctor’s VivAer post-op instructions is essential for a few reasons:
- The surgery might not be as effective. If you neglect to care for your nose after the procedure, you could reverse the effectiveness of the procedure or undo the procedure altogether. In this case, your VivAer surgery will have been pointless.
- Your recovery time might take longer. Without proper care after surgery, your nose could take longer to heal, making life more difficult in the meantime. If you meticulously follow your doctor’s VivAer post-op instructions, you’re much more likely to experience a fast and easy recovery period.
What to Expect After VivAer
Because VivAer is a non-invasive procedure, there are very few uncomfortable postoperative side effects. You may experience some bleeding for about a day after the procedure, and for about a week or so, you will experience nasal congestion.
You’ll also notice some crusting on the side of your nostrils for about 2–3 weeks. You also may experience mild tenderness in your nostrils if you wiggle your nose, but that’s normal too.
There is no lasting external change to the appearance of your nose after VivAer surgery. Occasionally, some patients experience some swelling of their nostrils, but that only lasts for a few weeks while the nose heals.
4 Tips for a Quick and Problem-Free Recovery
Most people recover from this procedure very well. Follow these VivAer post-op instructions to ensure your recovery is as painless and simple as possible.
Tip #1: Apply a prescribed antibiotic ointment two times per day.
After the surgery, we’ll prescribe you a special antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and expedite the healing process. Apply the ointment to the inside of your nostrils twice a day. Doing so will also keep the inside of your nose from getting too dry and prevent excessive crusting.
Tip #2: Avoid picking at the crusting inside your nose.
It may be tempting to pick at the crusting that will develop inside your nose, but doing so will prolong your healing time. To ensure a fast and easy recovery, do your best to leave the crusting alone. As annoying as it is, it’s a part of the natural healing process.
Tip #3: Use saline spray generously.
Saline spray is a water-based mixture that contains salt, similar to the composition of your tears. After the VivAer procedure, gently spray the inside of your nose with a saline solution as needed. This will prevent uncomfortable dryness and help keep your nostrils moisturized. It will also help soften or dissolve some of the crusting.
Tip #4: Don’t squeeze your nostrils together for one week.
Immediately after surgery, you’ll want to avoid squeezing your nose together when blowing to allow your nasal valve time to heal in the outward position. Pressing your nostrils together might undo the surgery, so it’s important to strictly adhere to this recommendation and give your nose the chance to heal correctly. Avoid accidentally hitting your nose, as well.
We Can Help You Follow Your VivAer Post-Op Instructions Safely
VivAer Nasal Airway Remodeling surgery is a simple procedure that can relieve those who struggle to breathe through their nose, and we’re happy to provide it for our patients.
After the procedure, you don’t need to alter your normal daily activities very much. Take it easy for a few days, don’t overextend yourself or breathe too heavily, and follow our simple VivAer post-op instructions. The ENT Associates of Lubbock are here to help you with any questions you may have along the way, no matter what.
Dr. Cuthbertson is a physician at Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Lubbock. He joined the team at ENT Lubbock from Houston, where he was chief resident of the prestigious Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine. He is board certified in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery and has quickly built a reputation, not only as an extremely skilled surgeon, but as an approachable and compassionate clinician adept in the newest standards and technologies. Learn more about Dr. Cuthbertson.
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