How to clean nose 3 days after rhinoplasty?? I can't breathe.

Question

I have tried to clean with saline solution but it's not seeming to help as much as I'd like? What can I do??

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

You should check with your surgeon's office for specific guidance, but I recommend that my patients clean the inside of their nose with some diluted hydrogen peroxide and plain vaseline. This helps loosen dry blood inside the nostril area. Also, salt water (saline) spray and nasal irrigation can be very helpful in removing larger clots and mucous stuck further back in the nose.You can read more about the postoperative recovery process at my web reference link below.

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

Each rhinoplasty surgeon has a specific postoperative protocol for cleaning the nose.  Usually dried mucus or blood tend to be the culprits for difficulty breathing after nasal surgery.  In my practice, if a saline mist sprayed 3 times/day does not work, I often recommend small amounts of hydrogen peroxide mixed with the saline spray to break up dried blood.  Discuss these things with your surgeon and they will walk you through their particular regimen.

Eric J. Yavrouian, MD · Answer

In general, for my patients, I recommend a nasal saline spray and and an ointment be applied to the nose two to three times a day to prevent dryness, promote healing and help clear the nose from secretions and blood clots. However, every surgeon has their own set of recommendations. I would call your surgeons office for a sooner appointment so he can take a look; you most likely need some suctioning. Best of luck to you.

David J. Kiener, MD · Answer

I usually have patients clean the anterior (front) portion of the inside of their nose with Q-tips soaked in Hydrogen Peroxide. If there are crusted secretions, it will take multiple applications to soften them before the blockage is relieved.There could be other causes of blockage at three days including tissue swelling, removable or dissolvable packing, and silastic (plastic) splints that could have been placed. An exam by your surgeon should clarify the cause of the blockage and advice on what should be done about it. Best Wishes,Dr. Kiener

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own protocol on postoperative care of the nose after surgery. I recommend you call your doctor's office and see what they recommend you to do. Most often the blockage is due to dried blood or mucus that the doctor can remove or sometimes it is due to swelling that can improve with Afrin nasal sprays. Some doctors use dissolvable nasal packing which could block the airway. It's important you ask your surgeon because he/she will be able to help you best.

Al Rosenthal, MD · Answer

This is definitely a question that you should discuss with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Your breathing difficulty may just be an issue of swelling or dried blood but may also be caused by a small hematoma or other problem. You definitely don't want to try any cleaning technique that your surgeon has not approved since it may damage the rhinoplasty repair and lead to a poor outcome. I'm sure that your surgeon would want to know if you're having difficulty. Best of luck to you.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Please discuss this with your doctor so he/she can provide you with the most accurate treatment.  It may be dried blood and using a simple saline spray can work; it may be swelling and you may or may not need a steroid to reduce swelling.  Just call your surgeon and make an appointment.  Most likely, it is an easy solution!

How to clean nose 3 days after rhinoplasty?? I can't breathe.

Answers (7)

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