Blowing Your Nose After Rhinoplasty: What You Should Know

Whether you are recovering from rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons or to correct breathing issues, it's natural to have questions about what you can and can't do during the rhinoplasty healing process. One of the most common concerns among patients is how to safely manage nasal congestion and whether blowing your nose after rhinoplasty is allowed. At The DeRosa Center in Boston, MA, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa offers tailored care and guidance throughout each patient's rhinoplasty surgery and recovery process.

Generally speaking, patients should avoid blowing their noses after nasal surgery to prevent unwanted complications, like delayed healing, and consider a gentle saline rinse instead. Learn more about when you can blow your nose after rhinoplasty surgery and what else to consider here.

When can I blow my nose after a nose job?

Almost immediately after rhinoplasty surgery, the nasal tissue and surrounding structures are especially delicate. Blowing your nose too soon can disrupt the healing process or even alter the results of your surgery. For this reason, patients are generally advised not to blow their nose for the first 1 – 2 weeks following rhinoplasty. In some cases, depending on the extent of surgery or personal healing timeline, Dr. DeRosa may recommend avoiding nose-blowing for slightly longer.

What happens if I blow my nose too soon after rhinoplasty?

Blowing your nose too early after nose surgery can put unnecessary pressure on the healing tissue, which may lead to complications or affect the outcome of your nose job. Some of the most common issues that can arise from blowing your nose too soon include:

• Disrupting internal sutures
• Causing nasal bleeding
• Prolonging swelling or bruising
• Shifting cartilage or bone
• Compromising cosmetic results

If you accidentally sneeze or need to clear your nose during the recovery period, try to sneeze with your mouth open and avoid forcefully blowing out air through your nose. Contact our team with any concerns so we can help guide you through the safest solution.

What to do instead of blowing your nose after rhinoplasty

Instead of blowing your nose, you may be encouraged to gently dab or wipe the nostrils if any drainage occurs. If congestion becomes uncomfortable, Dr. DeRosa may recommend a saline spray or other methods to help you breathe more comfortably while your nose heals. Overall, to stay as comfortable as possible while still protecting your rhinoplasty results, we may recommend some combination of the following:

• Use a cool mist humidifier
• Apply saline nasal spray
• Take prescribed allergy medications
• Stay hydrated
• Keep your head elevated
• Avoid dusty or smoky environments

These methods can help relieve nasal stuffiness and reduce irritation while your nose continues to heal. Dr. DeRosa and our team will review your postoperative rhinoplasty instructions with you and can suggest additional solutions based on your personal needs so you can go into your nose job recovery feeling confident and prepared.

Follow your post-surgery instructions for the best possible results with rhinoplasty in Boston, MA

Blowing your nose might seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact on recovery and results after rhinoplasty. At The DeRosa Center, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa will provide the support you need for a safe and successful healing process. To learn more about how to care for your nose after surgery and what to expect from your rhinoplasty results, schedule your private rhinoplasty consultation in Boston, MA by contacting our friendly team today.