How to spray afrin in nose after septorhinoplasty day 3 post op if it's completely clogged both sides with dissolvable packing?

Question

The question explains it all. Hope someone can help, b/c this congestion is miserable. ive tried tilting my head back and keeping it back while spraying, but the nostrils are completely packed with this silicone-like dissolvable packing that nothing can get through.

Gregory A. Wiener, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thanks for the question. One of the toughest things about nasal surgery is the complete blockage the patient experiences due to the packing. In fact, most complaints in the early post-op period relate to the packing, and not necessarily to pain.However, one thing that you should stop now is the Afrin. This spray constricts blood vessels in the nasal lining and can reduce the amount of oxygen that is being delivered to the tissues and potentially cause healing problems. You are 3 days out from surgery. Your nose need more, not less oxygen, in order to heal.Speak to your surgeon about removing the packing. Chances are, it may be safe to remove it at this point. A saline spray or moisturizing nasal gel are the only safe things to use in the nose at this point.Hope this helps!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You probably should not be using Afrin spray at this time.  You need to wait until your packing is removed by your surgeon, and then usually only saline sprays are need to allow the mucosa to heal.

Roberto E. Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question I recommend using nasal saline sprays to keep the nose clean after rhinoplasty. I highly discourage using Afrin longer than three days at any moment. The nose can get addicted to Afrin and this could be a problem down the line. Please consult with your surgeon to see if there's any way that the pack and can be removed sooner.

Stefano Cotrufo, MD, PhD, EBOPRAS · Answer

I am sorry about your discomfort but I do not think you should try to sort this with a vasoconstrictor.I usually allow my patients to use plenty of saline after rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty. This can be done by use of a syringe (without needle of course) or spray.You might want to discuss with your PS the option of earlier removal of packing?

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You need to discuss this with your doctor. Are those septal splints you are talking about?  I do not usually recommend afrin during the early post-op.

How to spray afrin in nose after septorhinoplasty day 3 post op if it's completely clogged both sides with dissolvable packing?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and early post operative management

Answer: Rhinoplasty and early post operative management

Answer: Nasal obstruction

Answer: Nasal obstruction

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.

How to spray afrin in nose after septorhinoplasty day 3 post op if it's completely clogged both sides with dissolvable packing?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty and early post operative management

Answer: Rhinoplasty and early post operative management

Answer: Nasal obstruction

Answer: Nasal obstruction

Browse related questions

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.