Can I use a netipot after revision rhinoplasty?

Question

Two weeks ago I had a very long (8.5 hour) revision rhinoplasty surgery. The surgeon took out my old graft and used a totally new one. I am feeling pretty good except my nose feels full of crust and boogers (I can breathe well though). The feeling of crust inside my nose is driving me crazy. I know I can't blow hard so I was wondering if I could use a Netipot or any type of nasal irrigation and to what instructions to be careful?

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Definitely - ocean nasal spray (saline rinses) and neti pot are usually safe to use and I would check with your surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our practice, we may allow our patients to rinse their noses with saline if necessary, to dissolve mucous, crusting, and absorbable sutures. Wishing you well. Dr Joseph

Dane Barrett, MD · Answer

The simple answers is yes, saline irrigations are usually good idea postoperatively.  This may be difficult to do if you have splints intranasally.  Usually, I recommend using Ocean Spray until the splints come out and then starting saline irrigations shortly after.  Obviously, it is a good idea to check with your surgeon as preferences may vary.

Mark Checcone, MD · Answer

Best wishes on a smooth recovery!  
Postop instructions are closely guided by your surgeon and you should contact his/her office before trying something if you are not certain. Nasal saline irrigation after surgery is typically safe IF you use sterile saline when the wounds are not completely closed, there is no active bleeding, there is no packing or nasal dressing that could be disturbed, AND you have the approval of you operating surgeon. 
Your question is tagged "2 weeks post-op." If you are two weeks out, this does increase the likelihood that your surgeon will okay saline irrigation to help remove crusts to improve your nasal breathing. Good luck.

Can I use a netipot after revision rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)