Rhinoplasty: Q&A

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Concerned I Have an Infection 2 Months Following Rhinoplasty?

I had an open rhinoplasty 2 months ago. I had a columellar strut put in using cartilage from my septum. I have been experiencing headaches, congestion and a foul odor coming from one nostril. Could this be an infection of the columellar strut put in? I have read a lot about artificial implants getting infected and having to be removed but could this be the case with a cartilage graft from my septum? thanks

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by leo93

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Possible Infection 2 Months After Rhinoplasty

Dear Leo, An autologous cartilage graft should not cause an infection but synthetic grafts would but at a very low percentage. However, what is interesting is that you are at 2 months post-surgery and the rate of infection due to the rhinoplasty should be almost none. That being said, the foul smell could be a result of an infection due to a possible sinus infection or other unrelated causes to your surgery. Inflammation is often detected by swelling, tenderness and redness... more

A foul smell is a bad sign.

A foul smell is often a sign of infection. Your collumellar graft may have gotten infected especially if your having some tenderness or purulent discharge in the area. If not, then maybe you just picked up a sinus infection. Either way you need to be seen, evaluated, and treated.

Infection

Infections after rhinoplasty are always possible, so please see your surgeon immediately and allow him to take a good history and physical.

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Nose infections

A cartilage graft will not get infected at 2 months after surgery. They can re-absorb, that is, disappear, but this does not involve odor or discharge. Artificial implants can get infected at any time (about 3% of them). This would include non-dissoving stitches. You should check with your surgeon and have your nose looked at. There are other causes of a foul odor/discharge from the nose that might not be related to your surgery.

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