Can blowing nose 5 days after rhinoplasty ruin results ?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty to fix dorsal hump and bulbous tip about 5 days ago. still have my cast and everything on. I keep waking up in the middle of the night to myself subconsciously blowing my nose.I always have allergies and I guess I always blow my nose in my sleep to free my nasal passages.. The nurse told me not to blow my nose after surgery but I keep waking up myself doing this and am worried that it will ruin my overall result? I wasn't blowing hard just short soft blows to clear passages

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear rhinoplastygirlIt is difficult to ruin your results by just blowing your nose. The problem is that the increase in pressure inside your nose can push air and debris in through your intranasal incisions. This will mean bacteria inside your wounds and higher risk of infection. Although its possible to break sutures and dislocate cartilage grafts, it would seem very unusual and frankly after hundreds of rhinoplasties and many patients who have coughed or sneezed, I have not seen any issues. There is also a possibility of bleeding from the increased pressure and trauma of a cough.Follow your surgeons instructions to the best of your ability and don't blow your nose!

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear rhinoplastygal22,

We recommend sneezing through the mouth
rather than the nose for the first two weeks after any rhinoplasty or
septoplasty procedure. Otherwise, the increased pressure in the nose will force
air or matter through the incision under the skin. This could disrupt the
suture line or increase the chance of infection.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Rhinoplastygal22,After rhinoplasty the recommendation is open mouth sneezing and no nose blowing.  The reason we say that is two fold.  First, if an incision was made on the inside (which almost always is) you run the risk of stimulating a nose bleed.  Second, based on the work that was performed you can move things around (such as moving grafts, breaking stitches, etc.). The best recommendation is to call your surgeon on Monday and ask the question but I doubt very small weak blowing would have ruined the result.  I would not recommend you continue blowing it to prevent further risk to the result.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Can blowing nose 5 days after rhinoplasty ruin results ?

Answers (3)

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