Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

Question

One of my nostrils only has clear mucous but the other side it's is mucousy with a small amount of blood through it. Is this normal? I'm supposed to get the splint and sutures removed tomorrow (6 days post-op) and I'm kinda of nervous about it. Thank you!!

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

Some bloody drainage from the nose is normal especially if the procedure includes a septoplasty and turbinectomy. This drainage should decrease slightly every day. Rarely there is significant bleeding a day or two after surgery or extremely uncommonly on the 7th or 8th day after the rhinoplasty. We have demonstrated that use of a medication which is called DDAVP invariably has stops the bleeding. This is the medication that the surgeon who has performed the surgery may prescribe to be given intravenously in the emergency room. Blood stained secretions weeks or month after the rhinoplasty could be caused by chronic light infection insider the nose and can be treated with an ointment called Bactroban prescribed by the doctors. If the problem continues a nose culture swab may help to identify the bacterium that is causing the infection and to choose the correct treatment. When the bleeding is sever or frequent one has to consider factors that may promote bleeding such as high blood pressure or consumption of medications that interfere with clotting such as aspirin or aspirin like medications.

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello Drawleigh, Thank you for the question.This is an expected course following rhinoplasty.  As the crusting and mucous mix this can give a bloody drainage. As long as the drainage is not excessive like a water faucet.I would contact your surgeons office and discuss what you are experiencing,I don't believe this will have any bearing on their ability to remove the sutures. Good luck.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

He,  Yes, this is very common.  It will calm down over the next several days.  You will also have difficulty breathing through your nose for some time as the swelling/debris calms down.  All very natural.  You are VERY new after your nasoplasty but with time, all of the drainage stops and the swelling slowly gets absorbed.  Of course you want to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon to allow for reassurance that all is on the right path post op.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

My standard answer is as follows:You can have moderate to heavy blleding for 24-36 hours after a rhino.The bleeding tapers off following that.You can have light staining of a drip pad for 5-6 days after a rhinoplasty.If you are concerned, call your doctors office.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Discuss this with your surgeon at your appointment.  It is doubtful that you have a problem, but an exam is necessary to confirm.  Best wishes!

Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post operative bleeding after rhinoplasty

Answer: Post operative bleeding after rhinoplasty

Answer: Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

Answer: Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post operative bleeding after rhinoplasty

Answer: Post operative bleeding after rhinoplasty

Answer: Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

Answer: Is light bleeding 5 days after a Rhinoplasty normal?

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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.