Removing Scabs in Nose from Rhinoplasty?

I would not recommend removing the scabs. That can cause problems such as infection or bleeding. Your surgeon can help and remove some of the scabs in the office.

Staying well-hydrated, using saline nasal washes,  applying Bactroban ointment on the area and using Hydrogen peroxide soaked Q-tip on the crusts can help a great deal.

Congestion and crusting usually resolves but manipulating the mucosa inside the nose can create problems.

It’s not uncommon to develop crusting and scabbing following nasal surgery.  This is especially common when rhinoplasty surgery is performed in combination with septoplasty and the use of nasal splints.  This crusting can result in nasal airway obstruction and post-operative discomfort.
            For these reasons, it’s not unusual for patients to express concern about this problem.  In an effort to minimize crusting and scabbing, plastic surgeons frequently recommend nasal saline rinses or hydrogen peroxide rinses.  Vaseline can be used to soften scabs and occasionally scabs can be removed with Q-tips and instrumentation. 

            If this issue represents a major problem for you then consultation with your plastic surgeon will prove helpful.  Your surgeon should be able to recommend a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Most patients get crusting in their nose following rhinoplasty.  Many doctors recommend nasal saline spray.  If the crusts remain unbearable, a visit to your surgeon for a repeat evaluation may be in order.

It is absolutely normal to have some scabbing, some nasal stuffiness, some swelling and other issues 1 week after Rhinoplasty.  Most Surgeons recommend use of nasal saline to help flush the nose.  However, at this point in your healing process it is most important that you listen to the postoperative instructions of your Surgeon; please do not pick/ manipulate or otherwise interfere with your result. 

You should really contact your physician for post-op care but I find that dilute hydrogen peroxide, if permitted by your surgeon, is useful.

Crusts and scabs are normal intranasally after rhinoplasty.  There are likely absorbable sutures inside your nose which can sometimes collect crusts.  Keeping your nose moist with nasal saline is essential.  Don't pick at the sutures or crusts inside your nose after rhinoplasty.  This can cause an infection or prematurely remove a suture.  See your surgeon and get suctioned in the office.

Your rhinoplasty surgeon typically reviews the post-surgical management prior to surgery. Being familiar with care instructions early, so that your recovery can proceed smoothly.

Generally, patients are not allowed to manipulate or pick the nose. Rhinoplasty patients are asked to rinse the nasal passages with saline spray, followed by muporicin ointment at least twice daily. Nose blowing is not allowed. Most sutures inside the nose are absorable, but some may be removed about one week after nose job surgery.

Persistent scabs or crust within the nose may be cleaned by the rhinoplasty or plastic surgeon himself/herself with a gentle suction in the office. Patients should not removed anything from the nose themselves, as it may cause bleeding or disrupt healing.

Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon and follow his/her directions.

Leave the crust alone. The best way to clean your nose it to use a q-tip gently after coming out of a shower when things are loose and moistened.  Do not force anything out.

The scabs you are referring to are attached to the intranasal wounds and the dissolving stitches holding them closed. No surgeon would recommend that you pull or pick at these scabs risking wound opening and or bleeding. You MAY want to try softening the scabs by coating a Q tip with Neosprin ointment and rotating/walking it across the length of the scab. Given a day or so, the ointment will soften the scab and allow the saline to flush them out without wound disruption. Your other option is to see your surgeon and have him carefully remove them to ease your breathing.

Dr. Peter A. Aldea