Suggestions to remedy discomfort after sinus surgery

Hello friends, my husband is recovering from endoscopic sinus cancer surgery (carcinoma with basaloid features). The buildup of drying mucus and blood, combined with the added reconstructive tissue and mini splints, have made his nose very painful and tender. Saline alone is not doing the trick. Any suggestions? Maybe even something external like a cooling pain relief gel? I wasn’t sure if that would be bad for healing in some way. Thank you.