Pain medication can be prescribed if the incision in the upper lip or abdomen is painful. Some patients have a headache or feel a sensation of pressure from the nasal packing. Patients are always reminded not to hesitate to let the nurses know if they have any discomfort. The patient's mouth will be dry and possibly tender because of surgery, and there will be absorbable sutures in the upper gum. Patients can rinse with water as often as they wish, although it is important not to swish water vigorously in the mouth, and they can brush their teeth normally.
Most patients feel well enough to get up on the evening of the day they have their operation.
The day after surgery, they may get out of bed with assistance and they may progress to walking as much as is comfortable. As the hospital stay progresses, it is important for the patient to slowly increase activity. Patients are not be given anything to drink after surgery until they are fully awake. Solid foods are started when the patient is able to tolerate them. The hormones of the pituitary gland control fluid balance, and occasionally after surgery an imbalance can occur.