When I blew my nose, a large gel like clot came out. 12 days after septoplasty and turbinate reduction. Is this normal?

Dear Alizee65~Thanks for your question. It is common to have drainage from the nose two weeks after septoplasty from a combination of old blood, mucus, and occasionally dissolvable packing or other materials that may have been intentionally placed in the nose during surgery.  If you have any concerns or persistent drainage/clots, particularly if you have fresh bleeding, please follow-up with your surgeon.  You may benefit from nasal saline sprays or an office cleaning.  Also, please check with your surgeon on when it is appropriate for you to start blowing your nose after surgery.Best wishes for your recovery,Amy Hsu

This sound like a normal release of a combination of the gel used by surgeons to prevent bleeding after surgery combined with mucous and blood being absorbed by the gel.  That's the gel doing its job and finally releasing itself when the job is done.  You might expect more.  Much of it typically releases down the back of your nose and throat while you're sleeping and goes unnoticed.  

Thanks for the great question. What you blew out of your nose could be two different things. The most likely thing is that it was some mucous that was trapped in the back of the nose because your weren't blowing your nose right after surgery. The other thing it could be is a material called gel foam. Some surgeons use it during a rhinoplasty to provide temporary support in the nose or to help with bleeding. Either way, its probably ok that it's out now. Best of luck and congratulations on your surgery!~Dr. Sieber

Hello Alizee65 and thank you for your question. It is normal to have clots and drainage for at least a few weeks following rhinoplasty. I would encourage you to see your surgeon if you are having active bleeding. You may want to discuss the appropriate time to start blowing your nose with your surgeon as well - 12 days may be a little early for nose blowing!