How can I help loosen the dried blood clots in my nose? I am exactly 1 week post op. Breathing well thru nose/ sleeling elevated

Question

I have a nose full of hard dried blood clots. I cleaned the front of my nostrils, and looking at me directly you wouldn't be able to see any blood clots within my nose. But I feel them all in there! I use saline spray a few x/day, and i do use the ointment but I hate using it bc it's hard to breathe with it in your nose. I occasionally pick at some of the dried blood with a tweezer (*very gently though. It's like playing Operation! I try not to touch the sides or move my nose). that is okay?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

You've been doing all the right things, and patience is key. You should give it time as this clot could take a little time to loosen. Trying to accelerate this process may worsen the bleeding and more clots. In addition to the things you've already done, I would suggest getting a humidifier in your bedroom which can help with moisture in the air you're breathing.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I usually allow patients to gently clean their nose one week after surgery after they come out of the shower. This will allow the mucuous and blood to soften and it makes it easier to gently  clean it with cotton tip applicators. Best to ask your surgeon first.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

At 1 week post op, you should not do anything to your nose without your surgeon's permission.  Address these questions to your Plastic Surgeon, so that he can guide you to recovery.  Best wishes!

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

How can I help loosen the dried blood clots in my nose? I am exactly 1 week post op. Breathing well thru nose/ sleeling elevated

Answers (3)

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU