Why is it bad to pick nose after rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

Question

I had rhino and septo 3 weeks ago and as soon as the splits came off I couldn't keep my fingers away from my nose. I kept picking it and then I would saline wash it and use the ointment. Now yes it's sore and red and have talked with my surgeon and waiting on his reply. But if it is infected can this cause any issues in the future. Please inform me of the common and also rare. Thanks in advance.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Ingrid,
You have incisions within the nose that are in the process of healing, and there is also suture material in there as well. If you were to pull or disrupt the sutures/incisions in any way, it could lead to exposed cartilage and infection, or disruption of the structural work that was done on your nose. Since you asked, infection can be a very big issue not only because you can become very sick if not treated, but also it can have aesthetic consequences such as resorption of nasal cartilage including any grafts that may have been used. Redness and tenderness can be normal after rhinoplasty, but at 3 weeks after surgery, it's best to check in with your surgeon as you already decided to do.

Mark G. Albert, M.D.

Raymond Goh, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi Ingrid.
Thanks for posting your question. Although infection after rhinoplasty is uncommon, it is still a general principle to minimise any action that may potentially contaminate the wound, especially in the first 2-3 weeks.
By this time (5 weeks post), your wounds should be fairly well healed and sealed. 
All the very best in your healing.
Dr Ray Goh

Pedram Imani, MBBS(Hons), MS(Hons), FRACS(ORLHNS) · Answer

Its absolutely imperative that you do not pick at the nose whilst its healing, an infection and at worst septal perforation could result.  Its best to use antibiotics ointment and salt water douches to unclog your nose after rhinoplasty.  What you re picking at is the sutures on your septum that should be dissolving naturally.  Your surgeon should have given you post op instructions.  Hope this is helpful.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi ingrid87,By the time you read this, you are already 4 weeks post op - but at 3 weeks, the wound from septoplasty has already healed, but the wound strength may still be very weak - and would disruption or abrasion is still very possible after picking the nose with the finger. In addition, each picking introduces a lot of bacteria/fungus to your nose. We actually do not recommend it even without surgery.

Why is it bad to pick nose after rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

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Answer: Picking the nose after Septoplasty

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Why is it bad to pick nose after rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

Answers (4)

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