I would like a second opinion: I do not have bleeding abnormalities, nor am I on any blood thinners. I just have a deviated septum.
Dear Mandm66, Thank you for your interesting question. I personally have never heard of using Afrin prior to a septoplasty procedure however some surgeons do use it once you are asleep with nasal packing for vasoconstriction. In my practice, after the patient is put to sleep I use topical cocaine on small telfa packs which provides vasoconstriction and topical anesthesia prior to local injection. I do not see any concern or red flags with the surgeon asking you to do this prior to surgery it is just his/her personal protocol which should be followed. Good luck with your procedure and best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.
