How Much Discharge and Buildup is Normal After Septorhinoplasty?

Question

How much discharge and blood buildup should I expect? I had septorhinoplasty four days ago. The volume of discharge has decreased, however now both nostrils are filling up with hardening bloody discharge - both nostrils may be blocked soon. Should I be concerned? What should I do?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

It is normal to have some bulid up of blood and crusting.You should check with your surgeon. I close the incisions and I give instructions to my patients to use hydrogen soaked Q-tips to gently soak and clean the incision followed by placing bacitracin antibiotic ointment to the area.Hope this helps.Best,Dr Sajjadian

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

Every nasal surgery, rhinoplasty, septoplasty, turbinoplasty or sinus surgery will create nasal drainage. This is completely normal. Increasing pain or a fever is not and you should check with your surgeon if you notice any of these symptoms. We really stress post surgery nasal care with regular cleaning using hydrogen peroxide and saline rinsing to keep the build-up down. I feel that one of the leading causes of post surgical pain is crusting and we try to prevent it with nasal care. Check with your surgeon for more information.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

It would be best to consult your physician immediately, as he/she knows the extent of your procedure and exactly what was performed. It is normal to have discharge the first few days following surgery. However, when it gets to the point you describe, it would be best to have your physician look take a look. This issue should not be difficult to take care of with irrigation. Hope this helps answer your question. Thank you and best of luck.

	Dr. Nassif

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is quite normal to be "stuffed up" for up to two weeks after a nasal surgery such as a septorhinoplasty. It is also normal to have some blood tinged drainage for a week or so. If you have crusting or buildup, it can be lessened with saline rinses and application of topical vaseline or antibiotic ointment. I would ask your doctor for his recommendations. I hope this information helps.

How Much Discharge and Buildup is Normal After Septorhinoplasty?

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Answer: Nasal congestion after septorhinoplasty

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How Much Discharge and Buildup is Normal After Septorhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

Answer: Nasal congestion after septorhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal congestion after septorhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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