The Right Way to Clean Your Nose after a Rhinoplasty Procedure

Your nose is one of those features that immediately catch the attention of others. This means that if your nose is not in proportion with the rest of your face, even your most beautiful features might lose some attention.

Rhinoplasty is changing countless lives every year, ensuring people are not only happy with their appearance but are living with a nose that functions normally. 

While rhinoplasty is not a major medical procedure, it still needs to be performed by a board-certified surgeon who has the necessary experience. Choosing a surgeon based on price alone will put you at a higher risk of complications. 

Recovery is a crucial part of the rhinoplasty process. The nose is capable of naturally getting rid of any debris and healing without the need for external intervention. However, some gentle intervention can actually speed up the healing process and enhance your results. 

How you clean your nose after a rhinoplasty procedure is one way that you can accelerate the recovery process.

Directly after your procedure, the nose will become clogged with mucous and blood, which will require you to breathe through your mouth. It’s exceptionally important to not blow the nose or use your finger to remove any debris. You should always follow your surgeon’s specific cleaning instructions to avoid any complications. 

Cleaning Your Nose after Rhinoplasty – The Basics

According to One Face, the best Adelaide plastic surgery clinic, these are some of the cleaning guidelines that your surgeon might give you after your procedure.

  • Saline

The first way that you can clean your nose is with plain saline water and it can be used as soon as 24 hours after your procedure. A saline spray will irrigate the nasal passages and keep them moist, which will keep nasal congestion at bay. Using two sprays per nostril three to four times a day is usually enough.

A proper dose nasal spray pump is an important tool for delivering saline spray to the nasal passages. Saline spray is a safe and effective way to cleanse the nasal passages and sinuses, and it can be used on a daily basis to help prevent congestion and headaches. Nasal spray pumps provide a fine mist of saline solution that can reach deep into the nasal passages, providing relief from congestion and blockages.

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

This common antiseptic substance can be used the day after your rhinoplasty procedure. By dipping a Q-tip in the hydrogen peroxide, it can easily be inserted into the nostril where you can gently clean away mucous and blood. If you have packing, it’s best not to use a Q-tip or it could alter the shape of your nose. The best way to clean your nose with a Q-tip is to use a mirror – this way you can avoid any accidents. 

  • Polysporin

This ointment is generally used to get rid of blood clots and soften hardened blood. Using a cotton swab, gently spread the polysporin on the inside of each nostril when you clean the nose with hydrogen peroxide. It will help break up any stubborn blood.

After about 7 – 10 days, your surgeon will remove the sutures and splint, so it will become easier to wash your face and your nose. It’s important to stick to your follow-up visits too so that your surgeon can make sure your nose is healing correctly and that you’ll achieve your desired result.