What is the best way to deal with dried blood without disturbing the stitches?

Question

Had nasal splint removed after 6 days, but have dried blood/external stitches on nostrils, and also have a pea-size laceration on nose as a result of numbing prior to rhinoplasty (I had rhinoplasty with local anesthesia---no bones were broken). What is the best way to deal with the dried blood, without disturbing stitches on nostrils? and how should I deal with that laceration left from the needle mark on my nose from the needle? Can I cover the laceration with a band-aid, or just let it air-dry?

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out.  Hydrogen peroxide helps dissolve away dried blood.  Just make sure you are not too vigorous that you disturb your healing incision.  Speak with your surgeon directly to get the OK to do this.  I usually tell my patients to leave it alone.I hope this helps :)

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

I have my patients use half strength hydrogen peroxide on a q-tip to clean along the incision lines after rhinoplasty.  The peroxide will help dissolve the blood so aggressive rubbing isn't necessary.

Robert Deeb, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question. One effective way to minimize crusting along sutures lines is to use a q-tip soaked in hydrogen peroxide and to gently cleanse the area.  If the crusting is inside your nose you can use saline sprays every few hours to keep things moist. I would recommend discussing these options with your surgeon and see what they prefer.

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually some hydrogen peroxide with water on a q-tip used carefully will help the crusting, but would check with your surgeon..

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

Nailed sinus rinse tends to be better than a saline mist after surgery, and I give it to all of my patients preoperatively. The more you can clean out your nose the better you will feel in your recovery. The saline will not hurt any of your sutures at all. Be sure to use distilled water or water that you have boiled and let cool instead of just simply using water out of the tap. You will have some raw surfaces in your nose still, so it will also feel good to warm the water up a few seconds in the microwave (maybe 20 seconds at most).
I hope this helps!
Sarah Saxon, MD

What is the best way to deal with dried blood without disturbing the stitches?

Answers (6)