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Can an Opening of an Incision to the Nostril Close on Its Own?

asked 2 years ago by 1911anon in New York
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 224 times
Tags: open

I had open rhinoplasty about a week and half ago. The incision on one side of the nostril caught an infection. It was secreting alot of pus and seems to have stopped. I am taking antibiotic pills and applying an antibiotic ointment to the area. A section of the nostril where the incision was made is open. This is the area that was secreting most of the pus. Can this opening heal on its own or will it need require stiching. I would greatly appreciate your opinion!

3 answers to Can an Opening of an Incision to the Nostril Close on Its Own?

+2

Management of an Infected Nose Surgery Wound

Stitches can only be successfully placedin freshly cut, clean and uninfected tissues. If the wound is old or infected stitching the wound may worsen the infection by encouraging growth of certain very dangerous bacteria. The best course of action is to treat you with afull course of antibiotics which will kill the germs in the wound and once the injection is gone, the wound will heal by itself.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infected Nasal Incision

As Drs. Aldea  and Joseph have said, complete the full course of antibiotic therapy, let the wound heal, and then reevaluate the scar. If you and your surgeon are not satisfied with the final result, a minor scar revision can be done.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

The open area of your infection will eventually close as your infection continues to improve.

It is not advisable to place sutures in an infected area that is actively draining pus. This purulent material needs to drain from your body, and the hole will close spontaneously. You should visit your surgeon frequently to have this wound inspected. If you end up with an unfavorable scar in that area, it could be addressed in the future after your infection resolves. All the best from NJ.
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

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