Many patients are daunted by the idea of having to clean their nose after Rhinoplasty surgery. Although the body is usually fairly capable of healing and shedding debris on its own, there are some gentle ways to expedite the healing process. Following any Rhinoplasty in Toronto at Solomon Facial Plastic, a detailed set of cleaning instructions is provided to patients, to ensure that they are able to effectively clean the nose, without disrupting the healing tissue.
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your recovery is as smooth a possible is to take care to follow the cleaning guidelines provided by our clinic. We highly recommend using hydrogen peroxide to clean the tissue the day after your Toronto Rhinoplasty surgery. The antiseptic nature of hydrogen peroxide makes it an effective means to destroy most of the common pathogen organisms. It is readily available as most pharmacies, sometimes as dihydrogen dioxide, or peroxide solution at concentrations of about 3%
Patients are advised to moisten a clean cotton swab with the solution, and gently insert it into the nostril to remove any dried blood and mucus. However, if packing has been placed in your nose following your procedure, it is important to skip this step altogether. This is because inserting anything into the nose when there is packing in place can dislocate the material, which can end up altering the shape of the nose and compromising the results.
For optimal results, we recommend cleaning the nose with hydrogen peroxide twice a day, morning and night. A helpful tip we often give our patients is to use a mirror when performing this step to make sure they are directing the cotton swab correctly and avoid any mishaps.
We also generally recommend that patients begin the use of Polysporin the day after undergoing their Rhinoplasty in Toronto. After the nostrils have been cleaned, the ointment should be liberally applied to the inside of the nostrils. This too, is easier if first applied to a cotton swab. The antiseptic nature of polysporin helps to prevent infection as well as soften any clots or hardened blood deposits. It is generally recommended to perform this step each time the nose is cleaned with hydrogen peroxide.
Following a Toronto Rhinoplasty, it is common to find that your nostrils to feel quite dry. Nasal irrigation with saline is a great way to keep the nostrils moist as well as help with any nasal congestion. Dr. Solomon recommends 2 squirts per nostril, up to 4 times a day.
For those who extra take care to follow the cleaning instructions provided, the recovery period should be fairly smooth and comfortable. Around a week to ten days following a Rhinoplasty in Toronto, when the splint and sutures are removed, it becomes considerably easier for patients to wash their entire face, including the nose.
