Rhinoplasty Sutures Are Bleeding After Cleaning

Alicia,

The incisions early in the healing process are not completely sealed and will often leak/bleed slightly spontaneous or during cleaning.  The important thing is that you clean your incisions.  You have not done any damage to your incisions or surgery.  keep your follow up appointments with your surgeon to avoid any problems.

Dr. ES

I always tell my patients that if they have any concerns to call me and I will be happy to see them in the office.  Patients tend to worry themselves over issues that their surgeon may be able to provide quick reassurance.  That said, it does not sound like you have caused any damage.  Just be careful.  I always tell patients to use lots of antibiotic ointment on incisions.  This will help reduce crusting and therefore the need for aggressive cleaning.

I would discuss the problem with your surgeon and go in for an examination. It is difficult to assess the consequences of the bleeding such as wound separation or dehiscence or widened scar, etc.

Alicia, from what you describe I would not be worried if one of my rhinoplasty patients had called me with this same story. As long as you don't see any separation of the incision line and there is no persistent bleeding between cleanings, you will probably be fine. I would certainly inform your rhinoplasty surgeon so he/she is in the loop. Happy healing.

It is unlikely you did any harm cleaning your nose with a Q-tip after your rhinoplasty. However, 5 days after your rhinoplasty don't get post-op instructions online; ask the surgeon you trusted to do your operation. Consult with him/her now.