Is it OK to use hydrogen peroxide on a rhinoplasty scar?

Question

I asked the doctor if I should clean it with soap and water and he was like yeah, but the incision has some scab- like skin around it and the stitches are dissolving really slowly. I’ve heard doctors say to use peroxide, but I’ve also heard that can slow healing.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Some PS recommend that you use peroxide; others do not. Best to ask the PS who performed your rhinoplasty what his/her postoperative protocols recommend. At a concentration of 3 - 5 %, hydrogen peroxide is mildly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes so the postoperative guidelines will provide directions for diluting it.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty device Piezo®:

In traditional Rhinoplasty, surgical instruments known as rasps and osteotomies (hammer and chisel) are used to reshape the nasal bones by removing the hump and/or narrowing the nasal bone width. These tools are relatively imprecise and their use can lead to contour irregularities, etc. if not used in the proper manner. Recently, a technology that uses sound waves has been developed to contour nasal bones in a precise and far less traumatic way when compared to traditional techniques. Ultrasonic, or Piezo, Rhinoplasty is now the most advanced technology available for minimally traumatic nasal bone reshaping and hump removal during Rhinoplasty. There will be hardly any bruising and swelling which will make the recovery period a lot easier for the patient.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is always in patient's best interest to follow instructions of the surgeon, in particular when dealing with fresh scar/incision. good luck.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

I tell all my patients to use it to clean 3 times a day. I have not noticed any issues. 
Regards
Dr. J

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear sunnyfebruary13,

Thank you for your question. I do not like to use hydrogen peroxide in my practice, but every surgeon is different. Check with your surgeon.

Best regards,

Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

o	Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
o	Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
o	RealSelf Top Doctor

Is it OK to use hydrogen peroxide on a rhinoplasty scar?

Answers (5)

Answer: Peroxide to clean nose

Answer: Peroxide to clean nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty Recovery

Answer: Rhinoplasty Recovery

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.

Is it OK to use hydrogen peroxide on a rhinoplasty scar?

Answers (5)

Answer: Peroxide to clean nose

Answer: Peroxide to clean nose

Answer: Rhinoplasty Recovery

Answer: Rhinoplasty Recovery

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.