Blowing Nose After Rhinoplasty?

Nose blowing after rhinoplasty varies based on the type of rhinoplasty.  Seek advice from your surgeon for your specific case.  Below are general guidelines for patients in my practice:


Rhinoplasty without septoplasty- May blow nose with care at 2 weeks after surgery

Rhinoplasty with septoplasty- May blow nose with care at 4-6 weeks after surgery

Rhinoplasty with septal perforation repair- May blow nose with care at 12 weeks after surgery


Blowing the nose can place pressure on the septomucoperichondrial flap and potentially lead to a perforation, nose bleeding, separation of mucoperichondrial flaps.  Until your physician gives you clearance to blow your nose, you can use saline to break up any secretions and then dab at the bottom of your nose.  

Nose blowing can cause damage to the new structure of your nose if done too soon after the surgery. It can tear and damage the tissue in your nose. Your surgeon will let you know the time frame for you as there's no standard for everyone.
I recommend my patients wait 4 to 6 weeks before they can safely blow their nose. Best wishes.

As long as you did not have a septal perforation repair, which is a tricky reconstruction, and just had work on your nose or a possible septoplasty, I consider it safe to blow your nose carefully 2 weeks after surgery. I would not use the same force you normally use at that time, but gradually after that you can blow your nose and it shouldn't cause any trouble.
-David Mattos, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon