Did I damage my internal nostrils with a q tip after cleaning?

Question

4 weeks post op, i was gently cleaning inside my nostrils to remove dried crust and mucous but as I was cleaning the interior with the a q tip I may have pushed the dried crust/mucous a little further back, a small tender pain occurred. I may have possibly gone just a little too far but was very gentle and cautious. No bleeding, just a small tender pain near septum. Did I possibly hit a nerve, tissue or vein? Could this have damaged my results? Should I be worried? Thank you for your honesty

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only 1 month after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Four weeks out, it would be hard to damage an internal structure with a "gentle qtip". Dont worry about pushing debris back, it will eventually find it's way out. Regardless, I would pay a visit to your rhinoplasty surgeon and let them take a look inside.

Richard A. Zoumalan, MD · Answer

It is extremely unlikely that you caused any major damage to your nose this far along in your healing process . The tenderness may have just been caused by irritation. It doesn't sound worrisome, but if you are concerned, you should talk to your physician and see what they advise.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Cleaning the nose at one month, should be ok. If you have any concerns, it is best to discuss this with your surgeon.

Robert Brobst, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is unlikely that you harmed anything this far out from surgery. Crusts can have sharp corners and can be uncomfortable if they are dislodged into a position that presses on the septum or nasal tissues. However, touch base with your surgeon and share your concerns with him. Otherwise, I hope the remainder of your healing is uneventful and you love your results.  Take care.

Did I damage my internal nostrils with a q tip after cleaning?

Answers (5)