Rhinoplasty recovery is a delicate process that takes time, so here’s what you need to know about protecting your fragile nasal tissues when managing congestion in the weeks after surgery.
When can you blow your nose after rhinoplasty?
Difficult though it can be if you’re feeling congested after rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll need to wait at least two or three weeks before it’s safe to gently blow your nose. This is because swelling is at its peak during this stage, and your nasal tissues are still healing. Even mild pressure can disrupt the healing process and cause complications, so it’s vital to be patient. If you’ve had revision rhinoplasty, or more complex primary rhinoplasty, you may be in for a long wait, as these take more time to recover from. Whatever procedure you’ve had, always wait for your surgeon to give the go-ahead before you start blowing your nose again.
Can you blow your nose 2 weeks after rhinoplasty?
Two weeks after surgery is usually too soon to blow your nose normally. With your surgeon’s approval, you may be able to use a saline rinse or sniff gently to free up light congestion, but it’s vital to avoid forcing air through. This can cause bleeding, swelling or disruption of healing structures within your nose.
Can you lightly blow your nose after rhinoplasty?
It might sound harmless, but again, even mild pressure can be risky in the first weeks after rhinoplasty recovery. Wait for your surgeon to give you the go-ahead, and ask for advice on safe alternatives to keep your nasal passages clear, such as saline sprays, soft dabbing or using a humidifier in the room.
When is it completely safe to blow your nose again?
For some patients, gentle nose blowing is safe from around three to four weeks post-surgery, but for many it will be six weeks before it’s safe to blow normally. 
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What happens if you blow your nose too early?
There are lots of reasons why you’re advised to wait before blowing your nose after rhinoplasty surgery. There can be a number of serious consequences if you do, including:
- Bleeding or infection: the pressure of blowing your nose can reopen healing blood vessels or introduce bacteria, leading to infection
- Displaced grafts or cartilage: the pressure of airflow through your nostrils may cause grafts and sutures to shift, which can even affect the final shape of your nose
- Increased swelling and bruising: pressure can force fluid into fragile nasal tissues, delaying your recovery
- Prolonged congestion: blowing your nose too soon can actually make inflammation worse, making breathing harder for longer
In short, it’s always essential to follow your surgeon’s advice to the letter, as it’s there to help your recovery and maximise the outcome of your surgery.
What to do if your nose feels blocked after surgery
It’s normal for your nose to feel congested following rhinoplasty surgery, which can make breathing more challenging – especially in the first week. Swelling, dried blood and structural splints can add to this feeling, but it’s important to resist the urge to blow your nose. Instead, try the following:
- Use saline sprays a few times a day
- Sleep with your head elevated on extra pillows to help to reduce swelling
- Run a humidifier
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid known allergens and dusty environments
You should notice congestion ease and your breathing gradually improve in the couple of weeks after surgery. Read our article on recovering from rhinoplasty surgery to learn more about what to expect.
Images source: Freepik
When can you return to work after nose surgery?
Office air conditioning, dust and dry air can all make you feel like you need to blow your nose, so you might want to avoid work for the first five to seven days after surgery. If you have a physical or public-facing job, two weeks might be preferable before returning to light duties.
Summary: don’t rush nose blowing after rhinoplasty
It’s normal to feel the need to blow your nose after rhinoplasty surgery, but it’s important to resist while your nose heals. You should be able to gently blow your nose within about three weeks, and normally after six weeks, but be sure not to do it too early, because this can risk jeopardising the outcome of your surgery as well as potentially causing complications. Your new nose will thank you for your patience! Your path to natural, balanced results starts with a consultation here in our Geneva clinic: book your appointment with Dr. Cuno today.
Images source: Freepik
