Rhinoplasty Recovery Guide 👃 - 25 - Recommendations For Postoperative Nasal Dryness and/or Crusting

Understanding Postoperative Nasal Dryness and Crusting After Rhinoplasty: Causes, Management, and Recovery

Crusting in the nose after nose job surgery 

Nose dryness and intranasal crusting can be observed in varying amounts after nose surgery and other nose operations. In particular, temporary mucosal damage may occur during radiofrequency energy applied during the nose reduction operation. Especially during the first 3 weeks, blood clots, dried mucus and fresh blood may come out of the nose. In the first weeks, we recommend our patients to pay attention to intranasal care recommendations, regularly irrigate the inside of the nose with ocean water spray, drink plenty of water orally, and avoid inserting napkins, fingers or cotton swabs into the nose, which have a drying effect.

After nasal surgeries, ocean water sprays, nasal moisturizing products are already suggested.

Apart from these, increasing drinking water, excessive coffee, salty beverages, avoiding alcohol use, consumption of fruits and vegetables with high water content, cold steam machines in the room may be appropriate.

Intranasal crusting decreases especially after the first few weeks. After 3 weeks, I would advise my patients to go for clean, salty seas for a 1-week vacation if the season is available. This 1-week treatment of natural seawater is very effective in accelerating recovery in many patients and clearing nasal crusting. I also recommend the use of sea water with sinus rinse.

It is appropriate that the non-sterile water does not touch the nose within the first 3 weeks after the surgery.

What is Postoperative Nasal Dryness and Crusting?

Following rhinoplasty, many patients experience a temporary condition characterized by dryness and crusting within the nasal passages. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the surgical manipulation of nasal tissues, changes in nasal airflow, and alterations in mucous production.

Causes of Postoperative Nasal Dryness and Crusting

Several factors contribute to postoperative nasal dryness and crusting after rhinoplasty:

1. Reduced Mucous Production

During rhinoplasty, the nasal mucosa may become temporarily impaired, leading to decreased mucous production. This reduction in mucous can result in dryness and crusting within the nasal passages.

2. Nasal Packing

In some cases, surgeons may place nasal packing inside the nostrils during rhinoplasty to provide support and control bleeding. The presence of nasal packing can exacerbate nasal dryness and crusting.

3. Disrupted Nasal Blood Supply

Surgical manipulation of nasal tissues during rhinoplasty can disrupt the delicate blood supply to the nasal mucosa, leading to tissue ischemia and subsequent dryness and crusting.

4. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as dry air and exposure to irritants or allergens, can exacerbate nasal dryness and crusting postoperatively.

5. Healing Process

As the nasal tissues heal following rhinoplasty, inflammation and tissue remodeling can contribute to dryness and crusting within the nasal passages.

Management of Postoperative Nasal Dryness and Crusting

1. Humidification

• Use a Humidifier: Running a humidifier in your room can help maintain optimal nasal moisture levels and alleviate dryness and crusting.
• Saline Nasal Sprays: Regular use of saline nasal sprays can help moisturize the nasal passages and loosen nasal crusts.

2. Nasal Irrigation

• Nasal Rinse: Perform nasal irrigation using a saline solution to flush out debris and crusts from the nasal passages.
• Neti Pot: Use a neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages with saline solution, promoting hydration and clearing nasal crusts.

3. Nasal Ointments

• Topical Ointments: Apply over-the-counter nasal ointments or emollients to the nasal passages to soothe dryness and facilitate healing.

4. Avoidance of Irritants

• Environmental Control: Minimize exposure to environmental irritants, such as smoke, dust, and strong odors, which can exacerbate nasal dryness and crusting.

5. Gentle Nasal Care

• Avoid Nose Blowing: Refrain from blowing your nose forcefully, as this can exacerbate nasal dryness and disrupt the healing process.
• Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft, moist cloth to gently clean the nasal passages and remove nasal crusts.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While postoperative nasal dryness and crusting are common after rhinoplasty, certain signs may indicate the need for medical evaluation:

• Persistent Symptoms: If nasal dryness and crusting persist or worsen despite home remedies and interventions.
• Signs of Infection: If you experience symptoms such as increasing pain, fever, or foul-smelling nasal discharge.
• Nasal Obstruction: If nasal dryness and crusting are accompanied by nasal congestion or difficulty breathing.

Recovery Process

Short-Term Recovery

• Patience: Understand that postoperative nasal dryness and crusting are temporary and typically improve with time and proper care.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
• Rest and Hydration: Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to support your body's recovery.

Long-Term Recovery

• Be Mindful of Activities: Avoid activities that could increase the risk of nasal trauma or exacerbate nasal dryness and crusting.
• Sun Protection: Protect your nose from sun exposure to prevent complications and promote optimal healing.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and follow your surgeon's recommendations for postoperative care.

Prevention Tips for Minimizing Nasal Dryness and Crusting

Preoperative Preparation

• Communication with Surgeon: Discuss your concerns about nasal dryness and crusting with your surgeon during the preoperative consultation.
• Medication Review: Review your current medications with your surgeon to identify any potential contributors to nasal dryness and crusting.

Postoperative Care

• Strictly Follow Instructions: Adhere to all postoperative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including medication usage and nasal care guidelines.
• Gentle Nasal Care: Handle your nose with care, and avoid picking or manipulating the nasal tissues to prevent exacerbating dryness and crusting.

Postoperative nasal dryness and crusting are common occurrences after rhinoplasty, typically resolving with time and appropriate care. By understanding the causes, management strategies, and recovery process associated with this condition, patients can navigate the postoperative period with confidence and achieve optimal results from their rhinoplasty procedure. Always maintain open communication with your surgeon and seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms. With patience and diligent care, you can enjoy the benefits of a successful rhinoplasty outcome and a beautifully enhanced nose.

Links to the topic >>    Crusts in Nose Post Rhinoplasty Doctor Answers / Turbinate Reduction Rhinoplasty Treatment & Management

The information in this guide was prepared by Dr.Murat Enöz for patients who underwent rhinoplasty. 
You can find different opinions and suggestions from other clinics and doctors. Please take into consideration 
the recommendations of the doctors who performed your aesthetic nose surgery. Sometimes drug names given here 
only in Turkey may also belong to the drugs found. Plenty of luck :)

Murat Enoz, MD, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon - ENT Doctor in Istanbul

Private Office:

Address: İncirli Cad. No:41, Kat:4 (Dilek Patisserie Building), Postal code: 34147, Bakırköy - İstanbul
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52

E-Mail: muratenoz@gmail.com
Mobile phone: +90 533 6550199

Fax: +90 212 542 74 47