Stitches in the nose after rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty may leave dissolvable stitches inside the nostrils, stitches at the base of the nose, or closure material beneath an external dressing. Congestion, tenderness, mild swelling, and a small amount of blood-stained moisture can occur during early healing. Nasal tissue is delicate, so irritation from rubbing, forceful blowing, probing, or pressure can disturb the repair. Your surgeon's instructions take priority because the location and technique vary.

Keep hands clean before any prescribed cleaning or dressing change. Do not pull visible threads, remove crusts forcefully, blow your nose hard, or place cotton buds and other objects inside unless your surgical team specifically instructed you to do so. Rest with your head raised if advised, avoid pressure on the nose, and protect the area from knocks. Use only sprays, ointments, pain relief, or rinses approved by the surgeon. Attend the planned review even if the stitches seem loose or hidden.

Call promptly for increasing redness, heat, swelling, worsening pain, foul drainage, fever, or a wound that opens. Seek urgent help for heavy or persistent bleeding, trouble breathing, rapidly increasing swelling, severe headache, faintness, or visual changes. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are escalating, and tell the team about any injury to the nose.

Ask which stitches should dissolve, whether any need removal, how to manage crusting, when nose blowing and exercise are allowed, and which nasal products are safe during healing.