Do You Recommend the Use of Afrin Nasal Spray After Rhinoplasty/septoplasty Surgery?

Question

I am 5 days post op after having Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty/turbinate reduction surgery. It is still very hard to breathe thru the nose. I use saline spray frequently. But my question is, is it okay to use Afrin a few days post op? I began using it 2X a day on day 2 after surgery and it does bring me great relief but I have a gut feeling it is counter productive to my healing process. Can anyone shed some light? Thank You so much

C. Carson Huynh, MD, DMD, FACS · Answer

Hi,
I typically recommend using Afrin after rhinoplasty to help with congestion, but no longer than 5 days.  Hope that helps!

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

In general, Afrin is not a good drug to use after nasal surgery. I have my patients use saline intranasal sprays for moisturizing the nose 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty especially if you live in a high altitude and/or dry areas. Afrin should only be used when you are flying to help decompress the nasal passages during take-offs and landings.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear JetStream101,

	
		You can use an Ayr saline gel or even vaseline at nighttime
	
		You can line the nostril with a q-tip to get moisture
	
		I hope your recovery has gone well


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

One thing to remember about Afrin is that if you use it for more than 3-5 days consecutively, you can develop a "rebound" congestion if you discontinue its use.  Each surgeon has preferences with regards to post-operative care, and you should touch base with yours regarding what he/she prefers.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

When my patients present similar problems after undergoing a rhinoplasty or septoplasty, I typically suggest increasing your saline rinses instead of using Afrin after nasal surgery. You should speak with your plastic surgeon to make sure that this is ok for you.

Do You Recommend the Use of Afrin Nasal Spray After Rhinoplasty/septoplasty Surgery?

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Answer: Surgeon preference during post-operative care after rhinoplasty

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Do You Recommend the Use of Afrin Nasal Spray After Rhinoplasty/septoplasty Surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Surgeon preference during post-operative care after rhinoplasty

Answer: Surgeon preference during post-operative care after rhinoplasty

Answer: Afrin After Nasal Surgery

Answer: Afrin After Nasal Surgery

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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.