When is it safe to blow the nose after nasal surgery?

Blowing the nose after nasal surgery is typically advised against until the appropriate healing time has passed and any nasal packing has been removed. This is crucial because blowing the nose too soon can displace surgical repairs, exacerbate bleeding, or introduce infection into the surgical site.

Once the packing is removed, it is generally considered safe to blow the nose, but this should still be done carefully. The removal of packing means that there shouldn’t be any obstructions, allowing for a safer release of nasal secretions without risking damage to the surgical site. It is essential to follow the surgeon's specific instructions about when and how to blow the nose, as individual cases may vary based on the extent of the surgery and the specifics of the patient's healing process.

The other options are not appropriate because blowing the nose either immediately after surgery or within 24 hours could lead to complications. The notion of never blowing the nose isn’t practical; it’s just about timing and technique post-surgery that matters.