Is It Safe to Use a Nasal Rinse After a Rhinoplasty Surgery?

It is very safe, and also encouraged, to use nasal rinses starting one week after the surgery. Normal saline is the best nasal irrigation to be used and should be used at body temperature. After two weeks from the time of your surgery, it is okay to blow your nose as often and as hard as you wish. Spot bleeding in the nose is nothing to be concerned about unless there is a true hemorrhage.

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.
                In an effort to minimize crusting and scabbing plastic surgeons frequently recommend nasal saline rinses or hydrogen peroxide rinses. This approach keeps the nasal passage clean and moisturized and is extremely safe. In contrast we avoid Afrin spray because of the increased potential for complications with this agent.

                In most cases it’s probably reasonable to blow your nose after three months, but it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon before proceeding. Your surgeon should be able to make recommendations based on the specifics of your procedure. 

It is important to use saline nasal spray for 4-6 weeks or longer. I do not advise the use of Afrin spray as this is only recommended for very short term use.