Do You Recommend the Use of Afrin Nasal Spray After Rhinoplasty/septoplasty Surgery? Doctor Answers, Tips
Rhinoplasty: Q&A
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Do You Recommend the Use of Afrin Nasal Spray After Rhinoplasty/septoplasty Surgery?

I am 5 days post op after having Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty/turbinate reduction surgery. It is still very hard to breathe thru the nose. I use saline spray frequently. But my question is, is it okay to use Afrin a few days post op? I began using it 2X a day on day 2 after surgery and it does bring me great relief but I have a gut feeling it is counter productive to my healing process. Can anyone shed some light? Thank You so much

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by JetStream101
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Afrin Spray After Rhinoplasty

In general, Afrin is not a good drug to use after nasal surgery. I have my patients use saline intranasal sprays for moisturizing the nose 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty especially if you live in a high altitude and/or dry areas. Afrin should only be used when you are flying to help decompress the nasal passages during take-offs and landings.
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Rhinoplasty surgery recovery

Dear JetStream101, You can use an Ayr saline gel or even vaseline at nighttime You can line the nostril with a q-tip to get moisture I hope your recovery has gone well Best regards, Nima Shemirani
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Surgeon preference during post-operative care after rhinoplasty

One thing to remember about Afrin is that if you use it for more than 3-5 days consecutively, you can develop a "rebound" congestion if you discontinue its use. Each surgeon has preferences with regards to post-operative care, and you should touch base with yours regarding what he/she prefers.

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Afrin After Nasal Surgery

When my patients present similar problems after undergoing a rhinoplasty or septoplasty, I typically suggest increasing your saline rinses instead of using Afrin after nasal surgery. You should speak with your plastic surgeon to make sure that this is ok for you.
+1

Afrin for rhinoplasty

Using Afrin is probably OK, but I wouldn't over do it. You are probably better off using saline nasal spray because it is gentler. I would talk with your surgeon. Good luck as the swelling goes down it should get better.
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Immediately after surgery, questions on post-op care should be answered by the operating surgeon

Questions on post-op care should be answered by the operating surgeon for the period right after surgery as protocols may vary among surgeons. However, in my practice Afrin often helps when used for a short period of time after surgery to reduce internal nasal swelling
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Rhinoplasty post operative question about decongestant use

Yes you can use afrin on a limited basis the first week after surgery. I would only recommend using it a few times a day, for the first week. You really need to optimize nasal lubricants and saline sprays. Good luck.
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Comments (1)

JetStream101 31 Oct 2012
Great, thanks so much. I do use a saline mist a few times a day, is there a specific lubricant you recommend to your patients?

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