6 Days Post Op Should I Leave the Cleaning of Crust & Blood from Rhinoplasty to the Surgeon/Nurse?

Question

Cast off date is in two days but I have ALOT of crusty blood and dried mucus around my nose and inside. It's filled up a quarter of each nostil alone. I had very slightly cleaned the outside with just water but I have internal splints and stiches that I do not want to touch or irritate, Should I leave all of the cleaning to the nurse at cast off or is it ok to clean it myself? I am scared of ripping out a stitch even though I am very gentle..

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

It is common to have dried blood in the nostrils following rhinoplasty. In most cases there are incisions placed just inside the nose for rhinoplasty and sutures to close these. Blood can tend to dry in this area. You can use a solution mixed half and half of saline and hydrogen peroxide on a cotton tip applicator (Q-tip) to moisten and dissolve these scabs. It is better to keep the nostrils clean. The skin incisions heal very quickly after rhinoplasty but you should be gentle when cleaning. You will feel more comfortable. If you have any questions, you should contact your surgeon.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Please call your surgeon.  The office staff or doctor can direct you with the specific post op needs that you have.  Good luck

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question.  With internal splints and internal sutures it is best to leave manual cleaning of the inside of the nose to the plastic surgeons office.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Please consult with your surgeon's office as to how to best address these issues.  Every office has a different protocol.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You can answer that question when you visit your surgeon's office in 2 days to have your cast removed. I instruct my patients to use small quantities of polysporin on a Q-tip just in side the nose after surgery. You will do no harm if this is done gently. Having said that, follow your surgeon's instructions.

6 Days Post Op Should I Leave the Cleaning of Crust & Blood from Rhinoplasty to the Surgeon/Nurse?

Answers (5)