Could inserting a q-tip into my nose after rhinoplasty affect my final results?

Question

I had rhinoplasty three weeks ago. After my cast was taken off (2 weeks post op) I started using q-tips to clean the inside of my nose. I went a little bit further than the actual tip, but not too much. I wasn’t aware that I was not supposed to do this, and since I found out it was wrong I stopped. There was never any bleeding, pain or discomfort while I did it. Do you think this will have any impact on my final results? Is it possible that I shifted or affected the surgeon’s work to my nose?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

I doubt that you caused any harm. Q tip use can be associated with breakdown of the incisions or damage to the mucosal lining of the nose, but it does not sound like this happened to you. I would check with your doctor.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
It's unlikely that you have done any damage to your nose by placing a Qtip in the inside.  This is especially true if you did not experience pain or bleeding.  I encourage you to use saline spray to keep your nose moist and cut down on the need to clean any crusts.  
Best of Luck,

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

It is quit unlikely that you did any harm to your nose with the q-tips. That said, please adhere to your surgeon's post-OP recommendations and don't do anything without your surgeon's approval. You should also see him or her just to make sure that everything is healing properly. Best wishes!

Justin C. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

I can completely understand your concern. However, it is highly unlikely you did anything that would affect your result. The best thing you can do for your nose is keep the inside wet with saline sprays and humidification. All will be well.

Peter Hyans, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern, however it is very unlikely that using a q-tip would interfere with your results.  I would discuss with your plastic surgeon their preferred postop cleaning routine.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. This shouldn't cause any problems at all. I instruct my patients to do exactly this following rhinoplasty and septoplasty to clean out any crusting and aid the healing process. As long as you didn't have any pain or bleeding you should be just fine. Good luck with everything! For more about the recovery process from rhinoplasty, check out the link to my blog.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I doubt that a q-tip used very carefully would cause any problems with your nose. Best of luck with your results.

Franco R. Jacome, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is very unlikely that the cafeful use of a Q-tip will affect your results. Contact your surgeon so he can evaluate the healing process and continue his recommendations. Good luck

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