Nose Bleeds 2 Weeks After Rhinoplasty: Is It Normal?

If you experience a nosebleed 2 weeks after rhinoplasty, it’s an alarming situation. While minor bleeding is normal in the early days after nose surgery, bleeding at the 2- week often confuses patients.

At this stage, the nasal tissues are fragile and sensitive. For example, even dryness inside the nose or light touching can reopen tiny blood vessels. In some cases, bleeding may result from a reaction to stitches, infection or high blood pressure. 

In this article, we’ll discover the reason behind bleeding after rhinoplasty, what’s considered normal, the trigger point, how to manage it, and when to seek a doctor.

Nosebleeds after rhinoplasty is also known as epistaxis. Although it is a common mild occurrence that can resolve on its own within a few days. The nose bleed is spotted especially within the first 24-48 hours after surgery.

Why Do You Get Nosebleeds After a Nose Job?

If there is a constant stream of bright red blood from the nose that doesn’t stop then it’s important to seek medical advice. Besides surgical trauma, there can be multiple causes, that include: 

• Increased blood pressure 
• Stress
• Excessive fatigue
• Accidental trauma
• Dry nasal lining
• Nose blowing
• Infection
• Strenuous activities

Most mild nosebleeds are managed by simply dabbing the nose gently with gauze. While in severe cases, nose packing or tampons are used.

Are Nosebleeds Normal After Rhinoplasty?

Yes, nosebleeds are entirely normal after rhinoplasty. The nose consists of tiny blood vessels that are protected by the delicate nasal linings. During rhinoplasty, the nasal tissues are manipulated and may become sensitive. This leads to bleeding which is part of the recovery process.

Doctors recommend replacing the gauze every few hours, avoiding exertional activities. Also contact doctors immediately if the bleeding persists even after a few days.

Mild Bleeding vs. Severe Bleeding After Rhinoplasty

Many people use the terms nose bleed and epistaxis interchangeably, but they have slight differences. Here’s a comparison:

How Long Does Your Nose Bleed After Rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, bleeding usually subsides within 4 to 7 days. Even the swelling and tenderness resolve over the next 1 to 2 weeks. It takes a few weeks for your nose to completely heal, the bleeding and pain gradually becomes less with each passing day.

In the first week after surgery, the nose may feel blocked due to packing and the accumulation of blood and mucus, making it difficult to breathe. The nose is also fragile initially, so treat it with care.

For post-operative pain, doctors prescribe pain killers. Tylenol can be taken if mild pain, but avoid aspirin or NSAIDS as they can thin blood and promote bleeding. Also, make sure to check the severity and duration of nosebleeds, if any concerning symptoms arise, consult your doctor quickly.

• Stay Calm & Composed

Staying calm is the first thing to do. Otherwise, both heart rate and blood pressure will rise. This can deteriorate the bleeding process more. By staying composed, the body also gets stable which supports clotting and allows the nose to get settled.

• Sit Upright And Lean Forward 

After controlling the nose bleed, make sure to sit upright and lean forward. This will reduce the blood pressure towards the nose. Tilting forward will prevent the blood from going down the throat which leads to vomiting and nausea. 

This posture ensures the blood exits through the nostrils to monitor the bleeding effectively.

• Applying Pressure

If you pinch the soft part of your nose for at least 10 minutes without releasing it, then the bleeding is likely to stop. This will compress the blood vessels over that area and promote clotting. Beware to not press the bridge of the nose directly or disturb the surgical site.

• Applying Cold Compress

An icepack or a cold compress on the nose will constrict the blood vessels and reduce the blood flow. Keeping a soft cloth or towel with yourself is important. Also, avoid applying direct pressure to the nose. 

• Humidification: Keep your nose moist by using a humidifier or saline nasal sprays. This will prevent dryness.
• Gentle Nasal Care: Don’t blow your nose forcefully and avoid removing scabs. It will ward off any trauma to the healing nasal tissues.
• Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated to reduce pressure on the nose and decrease blood flow.
• Medication: Before you take any medication, consult your surgeon and ask about adjustments.
• Cold Compression: Keeping a cold compress on your nose will stop the blood flow. 
• Stay Hydrated: Having plenty of fluid intake can prevent nasal passages from getting dry. 
• Avoiding Irritants: These include smoke, strong odors, or pollutants which can trigger nose bleeding.
• Contact Surgeon: If nose bleeding gets excessive, inform your surgeon about concerning symptoms and for further guidance.

• Medications: Using blood thinning medications such as NSAIDS which include aspirin and ibuprofen increase bleeding. However, herbal supplements such as ginkgo biloba can also elevate the risk of bleeding. 
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol consumption after rhinoplasty as it can thin the blood and cause bleeding. 
• Smoking: It adversely affects the blood circulation and oxygen supply to the tissues. This will slow down the healing process and increase bleeding complications after rhinoplasty. 
• Patient Health: Underlying medical conditions such as clotting disorders, hypertension, or excessive bleeding, will exacerbate the chances of bleeding. 
• Surgical Technique: Bleeding risks depend upon the extent and complexity of nose surgery. If the surgery is more invasive then it can give rise to excessive bleeding.
• Post-operative Care: If the patient’s not able to follow the surgeon’s instructions or follow inadequate post-operative care, then bleeding occurs.
• Infection: Post-surgery infections, along with inflammation and tissue damage, can increase the likelihood of bleeding complications.

1. Softening The Blood: Take a small cotton ball or a gauze pad and  soak it in saline solution or sterile water and let it moist. Then, apply gently on the dried blood to soften it. 
2. Gentle Removal: Carefully dab the cotton ball over the dried blood to prevent any additional trauma over the nasal area. This will remove it gently.
3. Avoid Scrubbing: Scrubbing or picking at the dried blood can cause irritation and affect the healing process adversely.
4. Repeat As Required: Continue dabbing the dried blood until it becomes moist. It doesn’t come off easily, thus requires continuous exertion. 
5. Nasal Saline Rinse: The surgeon usually recommends doing nasal saline rinse. This will help soften the dried blood and help it be removed from the nasal passages.
6. Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid using alcohol-based products, abrasive cleaners, or tissues, as they may damage the nasal tissues.

Is It Normal To Have Pinkish Discharge After Rhinoplasty?

Yes, pinkish fluid discharge is common after surgery. It results due to the manipulation of nasal tissues, deranged blood vessels, and the body’s natural healing process.

This discharge consists of blood and clear fluid that drains from the nasal passages. It continues for a few days and lasts for about a week. This is usually observed during the initial stage of the healing process.

If the discharge becomes excessive, foul smelling with severe pain, fever, or increased swelling, then consult your surgeon. It’s important to monitor the discharge and strictly follow post-operative instructions.

Post-Rhinoplasty Bleeding Timeline

It’s important to understand the post-rhinoplasty bleeding timeline for managing complications. Here’s what to expect week by week:

Week 1 – Critical Recovery Period

During the first week of recovery, swelling occurs around the nose and bloody discharge may be present. Use a gauze pad or cotton balls to gently dab under the nose.

If the nosebleed persists more than 1 week after rhinoplasty, then it is an alarming situation and needs to get handled immediately.

Week 2 – First Look of The Final Result

In the second week, the bandages and splints are removed during the follow-up visit. You might feel energetic and ready to go to work. However, there is still some bruising or swelling present over the nasal area.

If you experience a nosebleed two weeks after rhinoplasty instead of light spotting, report it to your surgeon.

2-3 Months – Nose Shape Begins To Settle

During this time, the healing process is almost complete. The face starts to look fine again with improved nose shape and size.

If a patient experiences nose bleeds 3 months after rhinoplasty, then it’s not common and needs to be addressed quickly. It might be due to trauma, dry nasal lining, infections or inflammations, etc.

6-12 Months – The Final Nose Shape

During this time, the nose is fully healed. The final shape of the nose gets improved. Any swelling at the nasal tip completely resolves.

If there is bleeding 12 months after rhinoplasty, it may be due to external trauma, dryness, or nasal infection. The condition needs to get the surgeon’s attention.

Immediate Vs Delayed Bleeding After Rhinoplasty

It’s essential to understand the timing and characteristics of bleeding. The table below differentiates between immediate and delayed bleeding after rhinoplasty:

Frequently Asked Questions