Is It Safe to Use a Nasal Rinse After a Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Many patients experience transient bleeding or crusting in the first several weeks to months after rhinoplasty. Topical nasal saline spray is a safe and an effective way to clean the nasal passages and to provide moisture. Over the counter decongestant sprays such as Afrin (oxymetazoline) should be avoided - they can cause constriction of the blood vessels to the lining of the nose and potentially result in a septal perforation.

It’s not uncommon to develop crusting and scabbing following nasal surgery. This is especially common when rhinoplasty surgery is performed in combination with septoplasty and the use of nasal splints. This crusting can result in nasal airway obstruction and post-operative discomfort.
                In an effort to minimize crusting and scabbing plastic surgeons frequently recommend nasal saline rinses or hydrogen peroxide rinses. This approach keeps the nasal passage clean and moisturized and is extremely safe. In contrast we avoid Afrin spray because of the increased potential for complications with this agent.

                In most cases it’s probably reasonable to blow your nose after three months, but it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon before proceeding. Your surgeon should be able to make recommendations based on the specifics of your procedure. 

It is important to use saline nasal spray for 4-6 weeks or longer. I do not advise the use of Afrin spray as this is only recommended for very short term use.

Blowing your nose is usually fine several weeks following rhinoplasty. Saline nasal sprays or irrigation is helpful for some patients following septorhinoplasty. You should avoid long term Afrin use.

If you had a Rhinoplasty 3 months ago, I have no problems allowing patients to blow their noses. Nasal rinse with ocean or afrin are also fine.