Bloody Phlegm After Rhinoplastty?

Coughing up blood tinged phlegm can be expected after rhinoplasty, especially if there was a functional component to the surgery performed at the same time (such as septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or sinus surgery).  I recommend using saline sprays to help irrigate  the nose during the immediate postoperative period.  Active bleeding is a concern you need to notify your physician.  Allergies can also cause blood tinged phlegm. I would recommend having a follow-up with a physician.

Hello,

It is not uncommon that some rhinoplasty patients cough bloody phlegm after their surgery; the bleeding does get trapped with the phlegm.

However, if the bleeding worsens then I recommend that you seek an examination by an ENT wherever you are in case you were not able to reach your surgeon. That being said, you should keep your surgeon in the loop of what your recovery process.

Finally, I advise you to clean your nose with a nasal saline spray which will enhance your recovery pace.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Best of luck to you.

Dr. Sajjadian

I have many Rhinoplasty patients who do still have bloody phlegm several weeks out. Mostly in my patients who have had septal work or had there inferior turbinates operated on for breathing issues. Usually this is from a very dry airway. You should uses saline spray rinses several times a day to break up clots as well as keep the airway moist. If you have active bright read blood that is not normal and you should let your surgeon know as soon as possible and be seen locally by the appropriate physician.