Dry skin on nose 2 months after septorhinoplasty, what's the safest way of going about cleaning the outside of my nose?

Question

After 2 months the inside of my nose has healed completely however the outside of my nose is VERY dry and there seems to be a build up of dry dead skin forming on and around the tip of my nose. It's most noticeable after I get out of the shower. Some of the dead skin comes off when I gently use a q-tip but some areas would require a slightly more abrasive cleaning to come off. Is it safer to wait for my skin to heal on it's own or should I try to remove the buildup of dead skin on my nose?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Do not be too alarmed. Dry skin after surgery is not uncommon and will recede with time. I recommend avoiding being exposed to much sunlight since the skin is still very sensitive. Also, you should make an appointment with your doctor to be sure everything is healing smoothly. He may provide a cream for the dry skin.Hope this helps.Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

After 2 months, you should be fully healed.  Check with your surgeon to be sure there are no issues with your healing and then any treatment which resolves the issue should be OK.

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

I have had a few patients with skin changes ( greater irritability) after rhinoplasty. It has always calmed down after a few months. I think at two months your safe to get a soft facial to clean your skin. I would make sure your using a mild soap that's not excessively drying and keep a nice layer of moisturizer over your skin.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

It isn't unusual for the skin to flake or peel as the swelling begins to go away. That being said, it is a little unusual for this to persist for 2 months after surgery. While this unlikely represents a problem, you should still have a follow up with your surgeon to be sure you are healing correctly.

Dry skin on nose 2 months after septorhinoplasty, what's the safest way of going about cleaning the outside of my nose?

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