Is It Normal to Not Be Given Antibiotics After Septoplasty?

There is no standardized protocol for peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis after septoplasty, though most surgeons will use intra-operative and post-operative antibiotics.  The rate of infection after septoplasty is very low, and your surgeon should advise you on how to identify one.  

Dear Andy06, I personally place all of my septoplasty patients on antibiotics for five days after surgery. The antibiotic used depends on each persons medical history and possible allergies. It is not common to be able to breath through the nose the first night for my patients as they have small packs in. Those are removed the next morning typically allowing for better breathing. With this said you will still have some swelling in this phase of the recovery which may limit the patients breathing. I prescribe some mild sleep aids for my patients for the week after surgery. Use some ice chips and popsicles to help with the dry mouth from mouth breathing and hopefully in a few days you will be resting well again. Sleep elevated with three to four pillows behind your back, avoid salty foods, heat and sun exposure to help reduce your swelling. Best regards and wishing you a speedy recovery. Michael V. Elam, M.D.