I Blew my Nose After Septoplasty, Should I Be Concerned?

Question

2 weeks after my septoplasty and rhinoplasty I blew my nose a bit harder by accident. And I felt how the septum in the upper part moved a couple of times. When I blew my nose hard whey before the surgery, I remember that the same feeling of the septum like moving a couple of times to both directions... anyway should I be concerned ? I hope that the septum should be already fixed like 2 weeks post op, but please let me know ?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Do not continue blowing your nose and have your surgeon examine you.

	 

	 

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

In general, The following things should be avoid after a septorhinoplasty:

	1) Overexerting yourself while you are healing
	2) Bending with your head below the waist
	3) Blowing the nose excessively

	It is likely that blowing your nose did not cause any damage. We advise against it to reduce the chances of bleeding. The septum would not "move" from blowing the nose. I would avoid blowing the nose hard for the duration of your healing, and speak with your surgeon regarding any concerns. I hope this helps, and best of luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's possible that some bleeding could be initiated by blowing the nose after septoplasty and turbinectomy but no physical damage will occur.

Stephen P. Smith, Jr., MD · Answer

It’s hard to answer your question without examining you. Anytime you feel movement shortly after surgery (even at 2 weeks) you should have it looked at by your plastic surgeon. You have invested a lot of time and money and it would be a shame for you to not get the best result possible. Go see your surgeon. Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I personally tell patients not to blow their nose for at least 3 weeks. I suggest that they gently use q-tips to clean their nose after they shower.

I Blew my Nose After Septoplasty, Should I Be Concerned?

Answers (6)