My packaging came out first day! Is my nose ruined?

Question

I think what happened was i picked at the guaze when i took a nap and it came out. (just gauze) my nose is still taped, stitches are fine, i'm like 22 hours post op. i'm scared though, my boyfriend thinks my nose will go back to normal now so im freaking out, he did say i could take gauze out on day 3, i tried repackaging it but i cant get it as far up as they did. is my nose ruined?

Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Blingpop,Nasal packing is mostly used to prevent nasal bleeding post surgery and it can be removed sometimes as soon as 1 day post op. I would call your surgeon and seek advise. Many surgeons do not even use nasal packings anymore due to their discomfort without added benefit.

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

No your nose probably will be fine   Call  the doctor and let them know what happened and what they want you to do.  Do NOT try to repack your nose  Please   Best to you

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello blingpop, Thank you for your question .Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.I am not quite sure of the type of "guaze" that was used.  Often this is a small piece that can come loose.  I would recommend to leave the inside of the nose alone and do not pick.I would contact your surgeon to make them aware and follow their advice. Often if these gauze fall out we ask to leave the nose alone and to continue with your local wound care keeping the inside moist with saline and ointment.  However, I would ask your surgeon for their specific wound care regimen before doing anything. If all other things are intact then your result should not be compromised. I hope this helps. Dr. Shadfar

My packaging came out first day! Is my nose ruined?

Answers (3)