Cleaning Nose with Cotton Swab After Rhinoplasty

The q tip routine will not cause extra swelling, that is clear.

I often have patients use ointment in the nose for about a month post op, since even after the stitches dissolve there can be some persistent crusting.  I would stay away from other treatments, however, since products like hydrogen peroxide can break down the lining with prolonged use.  Saline or water are fine.  A dry q tip is more likely to abrade the lining, so I would suggest some ointment or cream.  Also be gentle with your q tip.  Don't vigorously plunge in and out, or aggressively scrub, or lift the nostril rim with your manipulations.

Good question. I typically have my patients just use saline nasal spray inside the nose gently starting a week out from surgery. If there are any scabs that need to come off around the columellar incisions, I use hydrogen peroxide and a cotton swab carefully. As long as you're being careful and not pushing on anything hard, it should not affect your final outcome and should not worsen any swelling. Just continue to be gentle with it!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

It’s not uncommon to develop crusting and scabbing following nasal surgery.  This is especially common when rhinoplasty surgery is performed in combination with septoplasty and the use of nasal splints.  This crusting can result in nasal airway obstruction and post-operative discomfort.  For these reasons, it’s not unusual for patients to express concern about this problem.
            In an effort to minimize crusting and scabbing, plastic surgeons frequently recommend nasal saline rinses or hydrogen peroxide rinses.  Vaseline can be used to soften scabs and occasionally scabs can be removed with Q-tips and instrumentation.

            If this issue represents a major problem for you, then consultation with your plastic surgeon will prove helpful.  Your surgeon will be able to recommend a treatment plan that will address this problem.