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

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.

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

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.