I've been carefully cleaning my nose with a Q-tip. I'm paranoid after reading other posts, is it damaging? (photo)

Hello,At 4 weeks after rhinoplasty, it's ok to gently clean inside your nose with a moistened cotton tipped applicator (Q-tip). However, it shouldn't be done forcefully.I have my patients clean with saline rather than peroxide, but each surgeon will have their preferences.I prefer to use peroxide in the office for dried up crusts, but I clean it out, not the patient.Nonetheless, you should check with your surgeon before doing anything to your nose.All the best.

I would recommend following up with your surgeon. Each surgeon has specific post-operative guidelines, and your surgeon will able to advise you on how to clean the inside of the nose in the weeks following your procedure. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

    Every plastic surgeon will have different postoperative instructions, so it is best to ask your surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Using hydrogen peroxide more than one week out from surgery can have some effects on wound healing. I would check with your surgeon and let him/her know and ask them if it is ok to continue.