Picking nose with toothpick after rhinoplasty?

Question

I am almost 5 months post op, and there was dried mucus im my nose annoying me and affecting my breathing, so i decided to loosen it up with a toothpick, but when i did i think i accidentally stabbed myself(i was doing it gently) and it hurt. I am afraid i have done somthing wrong, could this damage my nose?

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

In general, I try to discourage my patients from sticking anything in their nose to prevent any unnecessary trauma.  If you are experiencing excessive crusting, there are sprays and ointments that can be used to soften these up and they can be removed atraumatically.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear ayshakamacihan,

From the description of you clinical post it is unlikely that
the small amount of discomfort in a toothpick would have caused long-term
permanent structural damage to your rhinoplasty or any long-term injury to the
lining of your nose, also called the mucosa.

However, it does bring up an important point – after
rhinoplasty surgery, the tissues can be more delicate and there may be some
loss of sensation.  Using a sharp object
such as a toothpick is ill-advised and most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons
would advise using less traumatic techniques to remove crusts from the nose,
such as a soft Q-tip, inserted Vaseline or Polysporin, as well as humidifiers
and nasal sprays.  In general, if you are
having excessive crusting five to six months after your rhinoplasty, it is best
to see your operative rhinoplasty surgeon, as there may be some internal
mucosal wound healing issues that could be addressed that may reduce the amount
of crusting you are experiencing.

Having trained in both plastic surgery and ear/nose/throat,
head/neck oncology, I have been performing rhinoplasty for over 20 years.  It is an important part of my practice.  It is my experience that, over time, these
internal issues, such as crusts, will resolve. 
Seeking the advice of your operative rhinoplasty surgeon is an important
next step.

For more information, please review the link below.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

Sincerely,

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Do not pick your nose like that again.  See your surgeon for an evaluation to determine what the problem is.  In the meantime I would use saline nasal spray to loosen dried secretions.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Picking nose with toothpick after rhinoplasty?

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Picking nose with toothpick after rhinoplasty?

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