Nasal Packing After Surgery: How Long?

Packing depends on the operation

Nasal packing is material placed inside the nose after surgery to control bleeding, support repositioned tissue and reduce the chance of the raw surfaces sticking together. Many patients dread packing more than the surgery itself, so knowing exactly what to expect helps.

Packing by procedure at our clinic

Turbinate reduction: no packing.
Septoplasty: packing on both sides for one day.
Endoscopic sinus surgery: packing for one day, with absorbable packing used.
Nasal fracture reduction: packing for two days and an external splint for five days.

What packing feels like

A full, blocked sensation, so you breathe through your mouth
Dry mouth and throat, especially overnight
Pressure around the nose and forehead
Watery eyes, because tear drainage into the nose is temporarily blocked
Some blood-tinged drainage onto a gauze pad under the nose

These sensations are expected and temporary.

Coping tips while packing is in

Sleep with your head raised on two pillows.
Keep water by the bed and sip often; lip balm helps.
Use a humidifier or damp towel to moisten the air.
Change the gauze under your nose as needed; do not pull on the packing.
Do not blow your nose. Sneeze with your mouth open.
Take prescribed pain relief as directed.

Why packing is used at all

After the septum is straightened, the lining on both sides needs to settle back against the cartilage and bone. Short-term packing holds it in place and presses on small blood vessels so oozing stops. After sinus surgery, packing helps control bleeding from the operated areas while the first stage of healing begins. Using it for a defined, short period balances these benefits against the discomfort of a blocked nose.

Removal

Packing removal is done at the clinic at the scheduled time. It feels strange and briefly uncomfortable for most people but is quick. Afterward, the nose often still feels congested because of swelling and crusting, which gradually improves over the following weeks with saline rinses and follow-up cleaning.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified ENT surgeon who taught rhinology as a faculty member at Yonsei and Ajou Universities, uses packing only where it serves a purpose. That is why turbinate reduction is done without it, and packing after septoplasty and sinus surgery is kept to one day. Absorbable packing in sinus surgery reduces what has to be removed.

Everything is explained in English before surgery, including how removal is done and what to expect afterward. Follow-up visits after removal let him clean crusts gently and check that healing is on track.

Warning signs while packing is in

Contact the clinic or seek urgent care for bright red bleeding soaking several gauze pads quickly, blood running down the throat continuously, fever, increasing pain, or swelling around the eyes. Packing can occasionally shift; do not try to push it back yourself. Clinic contact details are on the location and hours page.

Does packing removal hurt?

Most people describe removal as strange and briefly uncomfortable rather than painful. It is quick. Taking prescribed pain relief beforehand, if Dr. Kim advises it, and breathing slowly through your mouth during removal can help.

Why is there no packing after turbinate reduction?

Turbinate reduction at our clinic is designed so that packing is not required. That makes the first days more comfortable. You still need to avoid nose blowing, strenuous exercise and saunas for one week while healing begins.

Can I shower with packing in?

Showering is generally fine, but keep water and steam from soaking the packing and gauze, and avoid very hot showers that increase bleeding. Follow the specific instructions Dr. Kim gives you for your procedure.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

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