Septoplasty is a common surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, the wall inside the nose that separates the two nostrils. This procedure improves breathing and alleviates related issues. Proper post-operative care is important, particularly concerning activities like blowing your nose. The delicate surgical site requires careful management to ensure successful healing and prevent complications.
Why Nose Blowing is Prohibited
During septoplasty, the surgeon reshapes cartilage and bone to straighten the septum. This leaves the nose’s internal structures fragile, with incisions and possibly sutures or splints stabilizing the new position. The nasal lining will also be swollen, causing a blocked feeling.
Blowing your nose generates considerable internal pressure. This sudden increase in pressure can disrupt healing by straining stitches or dislodging temporary splints or packing. This pressure can also impede the mucosal lining’s natural healing.
Potential Consequences of Blowing Your Nose
Blowing your nose too soon after septoplasty can lead to several adverse outcomes. Increased bleeding is a common complication, which occurs because the force from blowing can dislodge newly formed blood clots or reopen fragile capillaries in the healing tissues. Disruption of sutures or displacement of cartilage grafts represents another risk, as these are important for maintaining the septum’s new position.
A more serious complication is the formation of a septal hematoma, a collection of blood under the septal lining. If left untreated, a hematoma can deprive the septal cartilage of its blood supply, potentially leading to cartilage destruction and a “saddle nose” deformity. Additionally, a septal hematoma can become infected, forming a septal abscess. In rare instances, excessive force can lead to a septal perforation, a hole in the septum that may cause crusting, whistling noises, or recurrent nosebleeds.
Managing Post-Operative Nasal Care
Instead of blowing your nose, gentle saline rinses are widely recommended to keep the nasal passages moist and help clear out blood clots and mucus. These rinses, often using a squeeze bottle or saline spray, should typically begin the day after surgery and be performed several times daily. If temporary splints are in place, a simpler saline spray may be used until the splints are removed, usually within 5 to 10 days.
If you feel the urge to sneeze, it is important not to suppress it, as holding it back can increase pressure within the nasal cavity. Instead, sneeze with your mouth open to allow the pressure to escape and reduce strain on the healing nose. This technique helps distribute the force more evenly, minimizing impact on the surgical site.
Most surgeons advise avoiding nose blowing for at least one to two weeks after septoplasty, with some suggesting a period of 10 to 14 days before attempting gentle nose blowing. Should you accidentally blow your nose during the recovery period, it is important to monitor for any symptoms such as increased bleeding, severe pain, or changes in nasal shape. While gentle blowing may not always cause significant damage, it is wise to contact your surgeon if you have concerns or experience any concerning symptoms. Your surgeon can provide specific guidance based on your individual recovery progress and the nature of your surgery.