3 days post Rhino and I have blood in my nose completely blocks my nostrils and is rock hard. How can they remove the splints?

Question

I am supposed to be getting the internal splints and cast removed on day 7. I am really concerned about the internal splint removal due to this rock hard blood. It isn't just crusting around the edges - the entirety of my nostril is blocked so much so I cannot see the knot of the stitch holding in my splints, just the end bits of thread poking out. How are my splints going to be removed without ripping out all the blood/clots that must have attached to the inside of my nose?

Leslie Kim, MD, MPH · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Internal splint removal may be a bit more uncomfortable if there is a significant amount of dried blood.  After rhinoplasty, I recommend that my patients use nasal saline spray frequently throughout the day and gently apply ointment to the nostrils three to four times a day to try to minimize crusting and dried blood.  It is also helpful to use a 50:50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and sterile saline to very gently clean any crusts using a cotton-tipped applicator.  You may find that these measures are helpful, but please reach out to your surgeon directly if you have specific concerns.  Hope that helps, good luck!

Julian Rowe-Jones, MBBS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (ORL) · Answer

If you are very uncomfortable I advise you see your surgeon earlier than planned. It is possible to clean your nostrils and remove the dried blood carefully and safely.  This will help you breathe more easily and provide better conditions for healing.  It will be necessary too to enable visualisation of the stitches securing your splints which will need removing. Gentle use of cotton buds with saline or dilute hydrogen peroxide is very helpful.  I like my patients to clean their nose twice daily in and around the nostrils for at least the first week starting the morning after surgery.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is rather difficult to fully assess your situation without an in-person exam. That being said, it's quite common to experience some blood residue at 3 days post-op. Your plastic surgeon should be able to remove the splints and give you specific instructions for cleaning any dried up blood residue. The most common methods include saline nasal sprays or cotton swabs moistened with hydrogen peroxide (mixed with water). 
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon would be the best way to assess your needs and guarantee a reliable medical advice. Best of luck!

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Some amount of dry blood is normal around the internal splints. I am sure your surgeon will be able to remove the splints without a problem. You need not worry about this.

3 days post Rhino and I have blood in my nose completely blocks my nostrils and is rock hard. How can they remove the splints?

Answers (4)

Answer: 3 days post rhinoplasty

Answer: 3 days post rhinoplasty

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3 days post Rhino and I have blood in my nose completely blocks my nostrils and is rock hard. How can they remove the splints?

Answers (4)

Answer: 3 days post rhinoplasty

Answer: 3 days post rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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