I'm 5-6 days post septoplasty, nose movements.

Question

I'm 5-6 days post septoplasty and doing everything I'm supposed to and believe I'm healing well. However, I tend to flare my nostrils and have a bad habit of moving my nose left and right if i feel discomfort. I'm trying not to but will this impact healing and structure of my nose?

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

Habits can be hard to break. I would suggest making a conscious effort to stop, otherwise you may undo the good work your doctor has done for you. If you cannot do it on your own, call your doctor and discuss this habit with them, a brief course of an antianxiety medication may be helpful.

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, I would recommend that you stop moving your nose from side to side, refrain from flaring your nostrils and avoid touching, picking or otherwise manipulating your nose. It takes many weeks for your septum to heal properly from surgery. These types of behaviors may be detrimental to your normal recovery or could result in infection or bleeding. Discomfort can be helped with regular cleaning and suctioning by your doctor, pain meds and saline sprays. I know some habits are hard to control, but I would respectfully suggest you try to stop while you heal. Best wishes.

I'm 5-6 days post septoplasty, nose movements.

Answers (2)