How to Clean The Nose after Rhinoplasty? 15 Tips To Follow

Once the patient becomes conscious after the surgery, there can be mild discomfort and pain that alleviates within 72 hours of the surgery. In the majority of the cases, the body’s immunity can help in healing and expelling any debris without any external intervention. However, cleaning the nose at regular intervals is an integral part of the recovery process after Rhinoplasty.

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Recovery Timeline After Rhinoplasty

Generally, the following is the recovery timeline after rhinoplasty. However, it can differ from person to person as each individual’s healing capabilities are different.

Day 1- There is some swelling, bruising and soreness around the nose. One can get relief from this after applying cool compresses.
Day 2-3- The patient experiences maximum pain and discomfort. In such cases, the patient needs to take painkillers. There are no restrictions on movement.
Day 5- The person can resume their normal activities after proper consultation with the doctor. However, the nasal stuffiness can continue but breathing is better.
Day 7- The recovery is complete and the swelling and bruising subside absolutely.

Can I clean the nose after Rhinoplasty?

As long as the patient follows two rules that do not disrupt the healed tissue, it is absolutely safe to close the nose after the surgery. In fact, the doctor urges patients to clean their nose to promote healing and reduce any risk of any infection.

The two rules to follow are- always listen to the ENT surgeon who performed the procedure and while cleaning the nose, be extremely gentle.

How to clean the nose after Rhinoplasty?

Following the nose surgery, the doctor will provide a set of instructions to clean the nose properly without causing any harm to the healing tissue. Some of them are-

Q-tip and Hydrogen Peroxide

Also known as Dihydrogen dioxide, Hydrogen dioxide, Hydrogen oxide, Oxydol, Peroxide, this chemical is easily available at drug stores. These are available at a 3% concentration more or less. But remember to dilute it by using clean water. Use sanitized and clean Q-tips to clean inside the nostril to remove dried blood and mucus by inserting them inside the nose. However, if there is packing inside the nose, do not put the Q-tip. (Also read: Know How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean The Ears?)

Remove blockages

The nose can get blocked by the hardening of the blood and mucus. This can partially or completely obstruct airflow through the nasal cavity. This stuffiness can make breathing difficult and force the patient to breathe through the mouth. However, even if you feel like blowing the nose or putting your finger inside the nose in an attempt to remove the packing, avoid it completely.

Apply a moist towel

Sometimes mucus can harden and form a crust around the nose. In order to clean the hardened crust, pat the area gently with a moist napkin to soften it.use warm water instead of cold water as it will provide more comfort. Regularly applying a moist towel can reduce the swelling considerably. After a few days of the surgery, you can wash the face regularly.

Rinse with Saline solution

Within 24 hours of the surgery, doctors ask patients to use saline rinses to irrigate the nasal passages to keep off any infection. In a saline rinse, with the help of a clean bulb which sends a low-pressure stream of water. The water goes through one nostril while it exists through the other. The patient can make a saline rinse at home by boiling half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water.

Note- All the above-mentioned points should be carried out only after proper consultation with the surgeon. Moreover, parents of children who have undergone rhinoplasty should be more vigilant during the recovery process.

How To Take Care of Yourself at Home After Rhinoplasty?

Before the surgery, make arrangements for someone to drive the patients after the surgery
On the first day of the recovery itself, rinse the nose with saline mist spray and then apply a dab of either vaseline or prescribed antibiotic ointment (polytopic or bacitracin) inside the nose 4-6 times a day.
For pain relief, take antibiotics and pain medicine as prescribed by the doctor.
Avoid blowing the nose for two weeks after the surgery as it can cause nose bleeding. If the patient feels like sneezing, they can sneeze with their mouth wide open.
It is okay to take a shower or bathe after the surgery. However, if there is an external dressing on the nose, ensure it doesn’t get wet.
Do not rub or massage the nose unnecessarily.
For at least the first month of rhinoplasty, do not put on glasses on the bridge of the nose. Instead, try wearing contact lenses.
After 6 months of the surgery, avoid the sun or wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) whenever stepping out of the house. Otherwise, there can be discoloration of the skin of the nose.
Do not fly for at least 10-14 days after rhinoplasty to any episode of sinusitis.
Resume taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory drugs only after proper consultation with the doctor. Generally, after two weeks of the surgery, it is safe to take these medicines.
For at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after the surgery, patients should not smoke.
To reduce the swelling, apply a cool, clean compress or ice wrapped in a dry cloth. You can apply this pack on closed eyes 4-6 times a day for the initial 24 hours after the surgery.
For the first week of the surgery, sleep with the head elevated.
The patient should avoid any kind of exercise and avoid any significant physical exertion, lifting or straining for 3 weeks after the surgery.
Be careful that there is no injury to the nose or it can lead to nose bleeding.

Read More: Recovery of Septoplasty

How long does it take to fully recover after Rhinoplasty?

The full recovery after the rhinoplasty can vary from person to person depending on- their physical condition, the severity of the problem and type of surgery opted by the patient. Usually, within a week of the surgery, the ENT doctor removes internal nasal splints but there can be some nasal stuffiness. The person can fully recover after the surgery within 3-4 weeks.