Can Picking Nose About 3 Months After Septoplasty Cause Septum to Deviate Again or Possibly Cause Septal Hematoma?

Question

I had septoplasty and turbinate reduction about 3 months ago. I still try to use saline or a qtip /w hydrogen peroxide to clean my nose instead of picking. Today I was unable to remove some dried mucous doing this so I tried picking it. it resulted in a little bit of bleeding. Not enough for the blood to trickle out of my nose but I did see blood on the qtip when I went to finish cleaning. Could picking nose 3 mo after septoplasty cause septum to deviate again or possibly cause septal hemotoma?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

After 3 months, picking at the nose as you describe will not likely cause any damage to your result. I would recommend avoiding picking if possible, and following up with your surgeon if you have an similar issue in the future. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

It's unlikely you caused any significant harm, but in general it is a better idea to use saline irrigations rather than digital manipulation to clear crusts from your nose.

Dara Liotta, MD, FACS · Answer

3 months after septoplasty, your septum is essentially healed. The type of injury and bleeding that you are describing is extremely unlikely to have disturbed anything. But of course, if you are worried, or if something seems amiss to you, pay a visit to your surgeon for an examination.

Can Picking Nose About 3 Months After Septoplasty Cause Septum to Deviate Again or Possibly Cause Septal Hematoma?

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Can Picking Nose About 3 Months After Septoplasty Cause Septum to Deviate Again or Possibly Cause Septal Hematoma?

Answers (3)

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