How common is bleeding after rhinoplasty and how much of a concern is it?

It is not too common. I recommend you avoid aspirin, ibuprofen-containing products, and certain homeopathic medicines that increase risk of bleeding. Also, make sure you do not have high blood pressure; high blood pressure increases the risk of bleeding after surgery. Most of the time, I do not place nasal packing. However, if a patient experiences significant bleeding and/or has a severely deviated nasal septum, I may place a light nasal pack. Otherwise, most patients do well with no packing and experience minimal bleeding. Bloody drainage from the nose for the first 2 days is not uncommon, but a severe nose bleed is not common.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.