How do I wash the outside of my nose after a septoplasty?

Question

I had a septoplasty 2 weeks ago and was advised not to touch my nose. Since then my nose has become literally covered in gunk. Am I able to gently scrub my nose with a rough washcloth?

David O. Volpi, MD · Answer

As you suggested in your post, it is advisable that
you wash your healing nose with a damp washcloth. Try to be as gentle as
possible, avoiding applying too much pressure or rubbing too hard. As far as
the “gunk” built up on your nose, this may be something you want to call to the
attention of the doctor who performed your surgery. It is not abnormal and not
something to worry about, but it is always a good idea to schedule a follow-up
to make sure that everything is going according to plan.

Demetrio J. Aguila III, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Cleaning the nose after septoplasty is an important step to ensure good skin health and improve your postoperative appearance.It is important to differentiate between a septoplasty and a rhinoplasty.  Septoplasty changes the shape of the septum - the wall on the inside of the nose that separates the two sides from each other.  This surgery is often done to improve the nasal airway, and typically does not affect the external appearance of the nose.  As such, cleaning of the external skin of the nose usually does not have any impact on the outcome of the septoplasty.Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is done specifically to alter the external appearance of the nose.  In this case, the long-term outcome of the surgery is dependent on what is done to the outside of the nose during the postoperative period.I recommend to my patients that have undergone septoplasty (and not rhinoplasty) that gentle cleaning in the first few days after surgery is good to do.  In any case, I suggest that you speak with your surgeon specifically about this - your surgeon will know what maneuvers were done in the operating room and how cleaning the skin would affect that.Best wishes.

How do I wash the outside of my nose after a septoplasty?

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