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

Question

It's been 4 weeks since my surgery. I had bridge narrowed, hump reduced, tip supported. I love my refined nose (and chin)! Since one week ago every other day i insert little more than tip of Q-tip into nose, gently turn it and apply a tiny bit of pressure to remove build up of boogers. After I carefully apply hydrogen peroxide to inside edges and then gently apply almond oil to inside edges to soothe and moisturize. I am always careful, and I can breath MUCH better afterwards. Is this truly bad?

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

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.

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

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Answer: Rhinoplasty postoperative cleaning

Answer: Rhinoplasty postoperative cleaning

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

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty postoperative cleaning

Answer: Rhinoplasty postoperative cleaning

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.