Should I Proceed with Rhinoplasty with a Bacterial Infection on Face?

asked 1 year ago by lknfamily in Long Beach, CA
Latest answer by Fredrick A. Valauri, MD
Question viewed 210 times
Tags: face, bacteria, infection, risk

I'm scheduled for Revision Rhinoplasty in ten days. I've had a recurring breakout on my face and the dermatologist cultured it last week-- lab reports show it's gram negative bacteria called "Acinetobacter," also a nasal swab culture indicated "Enterobacter aerogenes." Dermatologist put me on Cipro for both. Should I postpone the rhinoplasty until the bacteria is resolved? I'm very worried! Should I see an infectious disease specialist about these strange "bugs?"

7 answers to Should I Proceed with Rhinoplasty with a Bacterial Infection on Face?

Treat infection before having Rhinoplasty

I'd follow the Dermatologist's advice about seeing an ID MD for this infection, but no need to risk spreading anything to your nose by having a Rhinoplasty. IMHO, it's safest to wait a few weeks after everything is cleared up before having the Rhinoplasty.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

drfrancispalmer.com

Risk of Facial Bacterial Infection Prior to Rhinoplasty

You and your physicians will ultimately make the decision about doing the rhinoplasty despite positive bacterial cultures, but I would not do the operation until the infection was eliminated. Although very unlikely, an infection of the nasal bones would require several weeks of IV antibiotics to treat the osteomyelitis. Why take any chances?

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Timing

I would recommend that you make sure that your infection is fully treated prior to proceeding with Rhinoplasty. Elective cosmetic surgery is not appropriate when such a negative variable is in play.

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

No

Get care for the infection and make sure it is cleared up. I would want you to be off antibiotics and asymptomatic for at least 3 to 6 weeks before a rhinoplasty

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.wrmd.com

Rhinoplasty and Bacterial Infection

It is generally not wise to proceed with any elective cosmetic operation when a bacterial infection is present. You have one type of bacteria from the nasal swab that is not a normal contaminant of the nose and could cause a nasal infection in the area of the rhinoplasty. And if you also have a bacterial infection of the face that is not yet controlled, it, too, could lead to a nasal infection. I'd let your rhinoplasty surgeon know about this; he probably will want to postpone... more

Russell W. H. Kridel, MD
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.todaysface.com

Rhinoplasty and Facial Infection Pre-operatively

It is unwise to have a rhinoplasty if you have a facial infection. That situation will lead to a high chance of getting an infection of your rhinoplasty. Treat the facial infection first. Then, only after it is full resolved and re-evaluated by our board certified plastic surgeon should the rhinoplasty be performed.