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What to Do with Scabs Inside the Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

I had Rhinoplasty one month ago. I have scabs on the inside of my nostrils and they are very uncomfortable. I was told to use peroxide and q-tips but it does not help. I feel stuffy because the scabs make it hard to breath. Is this normal?

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nose nostrils

Rhinoplasty scabs should be improved with cleansing

The hydrogen peroxide can help break up the crusts. But you could also be doing some nasal saline rinses to keep things moist and allow the crusting to break down. Your surgeon can also help take some of the crusting away with instruments. Sometimes depending on what was done, your airway may be too open and this can cause a dry nose syndrome where the inspired air is too easily passing through your nose causing it to dry and also possibly get infected. Your surgeon could help in... more

Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

Visit your doctor

If you are one month postop, your incisions are healed and your doctor can be more aggressive in removing the scabs that aren't responding to peroxide. They will be happy to help ou out!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Most likely normal crusting after Rhinoplasty

Anonymous, Most likely you are feeling normal crust, sutures or stitches following your rhinoplasty surgery. Many surgeons place silicone sheet inside the nose to temporarily support the nasal septum in the healing period. This splint is usually removed within 2 weeks. It is less likely you have an exposed septum or raw surface, even though it may feel like it. Small areas of exposed septum heal very well normally. Many surgeons ask patients to use ointments (Bactroban for example) and... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Scabs after rhinoplasty

Scabs in your nose after rhinoplasty are very normal. Often, we plastic surgeons use dissolving sutures to close the incisions and they may take that long too dissolve. Old blood may also take a while to soften up and go away. The advice you were given sounds reasonable. You probably have a visit with your surgeon in the next couple of weeks and you can ask him or her to evaluate this if they haven't resolved.

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD

Los Gatos Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Healing After Rhinoplasty

Nasal crusting is frequent in the first several weeks following rhinoplasty. Hydrogen peroxide works well to help dissolve dried blood, but It can be slightly irritating to the tissues and can dry out the mucous membranes. Try diluting the hydrogen peroxide to half strength with water -- or try using nasal saline spray. You should also reschedule an appointment with your surgeon to make sure that all is healing as it should.

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C. Spencer Cochran, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Vaseline and other ointments after Rhinoplasty

I agree with what has already been said in terms of keeping the nasal lining moist with saline. Other options to keep things moist, especially at night, are applying vaseline to the area. Your surgeon may have other options after he performs a physical examination of your nose and determines the issues.

Kevin Ende, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Scabbing can happen

Anon, Scabbing or crusting can occur after rhinoplasty due to drying of the mucous membranes. I have my patients use saline nasal spray or drops three or four times daily for two weeks after nasal surgery. This keeps the membranes moist and benefits the healing process. Peroxide is a very harsh chemical to the healing process and I do not recommend it unless there is frank infection that needs to be treated. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Discuss with your doctor before trying different methods

After rhinoplasty it is common to develop scabs within the nose. This is due to the free mucosal edges and also the internal sutures. Please be careful when pulling on the scabs, since they may be attached to a suture. You should follow your doctors directions. In most cases, keeping the area moist and gentle application of a Q-tip helps. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Nasal vestibulitis causes painful nostril scabs.

Nasal vestibulitis is a condition where you can scabs in the nostrils that may cause pain, bleeding, and obstructed breathing. This is common if you have a history of seasonal allergy. I'm not sure this is related to your surgery. You should see your doctor for an exam and diagnosis. If you want to try over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream, apply it with a Q-tip, and work it into the scabs liberally. If I'm right, you should get prompt resolution in 7 days or less. If there is no... more

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Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

Humidity after rhinoplsty improves comfort

Besides contributing to good looks the nose does have an important function. The nose and tissues within, the turbinates, control the flow of air and serve to add moisture (humidity) and warmth to the air we breathe. Swelling after nasal surgery alters the airflow and contributes to dryness within the nose. The dryness in turn can cause irritation of the lining with nosebleeds, crusting, or even scabbing. Starting during the first week after nasal shaping we recommend to all a cold air or... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Crust and rhinoplasty

One month out you should probably not have any further crusting. Keep the area moist and you should probably see your doctor to be evaluated.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Rhinoplasty...Best Way to Clean Scabs From Nostrils

Hi Anon, Do not pick at the scabs inside your nostrils after rhinoplasty. You can use a small piece of cotton ball saturated with hydrogen peroxide. Leave that in your nose for about ten minutes. Best to visit your surgeon who will be able to clean up the scabs once and for all. Be well and I hope that you enjoy your new nose. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Scabs after rhinoplasty can be just scabs or sometimes more

Hi, Simple scabs can be gently washed off with Peroxide, using a soaked Q-tip to paint the Peroxide in the nose. After each cleaning, Vaseline ointment can be applied if you are not allergic to it. This whole regimen can be repeated 4-6 times per day. Scabs further inside can be softened with use of nasal saline sprays or salt water irrigation. If the scabs do not heal or resolve this way after a week or two then the concern is the possibility of a deeper ulcer or even perforation... more

Shervin Naderi, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Wound care after Rhinoplasty

It's fairly normal to have some mild scabbing inside the nose after rhinoplasty. When you irritate the lining of the nose it generates mucus and can crust if too dry. Sometimes, if the scab is too large it needs to be debrided physicially. Once in a while, a stitch may still be present which can collect crusts as well. I would have your surgeon take a look at it.

Samson Lee, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Post rhinoplasty care

Every doctor has their own regimen. After the 1st week, mine is as follows: 1. Each day put head under the shower head and cup your hands over your nose to setup a 'steam box" breathe in steam for 1 to2 mins. 2. Spray wit h AYR or OCEAN MIST 5 times during the day 3. Coat inside of nose with Vasoline each night This should loosen most crusts .If not have your M.D. look at it.