Explanation for Pain and Drainage Years After Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty?

Is it possible that almost 2 year post septo/rhinoplasty a strut graft or the upper lateral cartilage can shift into the nostril and cause external pinching to the left nostril and some internal nasal obstruction?

Also could I have brought this on myself if I was carefully pushing the tip of my nose to the right on occasion because the tip of my nose was shifting to the left (the original position prior to the surgery)?

I have alar strut and rim grafts in the nose using septal cartilage. They also did a tongue and groove technique on the tip for the overprojection. I had dorsal hump removal and osteotomies done.

And now almost 2 years later I have neuralgia, pain, the tip is hard and feels wrong, scar tissue on the top left of the osteotomy site, and can barely touch my nose, clear drainage coming from my nose, and my nose hardening and internal mucous membrane swelling due to environmental smells. Why? Will it ever get better?

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2 years post-op recovery

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by drons in Belleville, Michigan

Doctor Answers (5)
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Pain and drainage after septoplasty pussy

In your case, it sounds that you may have a small infection that continues to flare up intermittently. Your best bet is to return to the rhinoplasty surgeon that performed this procedure and let him know your concerns, they may assess the wound and determine what is causing the production of this drainage and pain. It is possible that a foreign body may be irritating the deep tissues and causing this drainage. Although less common, a cartilage graft may be responsible. Your rhinoplasty... more

Secondary rhinoplasty

I am sorry you are having all these problems. You may have an exposed graft that is causing you problems that may require removal. You should see a rhinoplasty a specialist.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

I would make sure you don't have an infection after Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

The clear drainage is not likely indicative of an infection but the foul smell is an indication. As long as they didn't use foreign material for the grafting, your chances are better that this is not an infection. I would definitely have someone look at this to make sure it is not getting infected. The upper lateral graft can cause impingement of your internal nasal airway if it wasn't done in the right way. Warping can happen to anybody and any surgeon though and this is a risk with ear,... more

Philip Young, MD

6 reviews

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

Post Rhinoplasty Problems

It is possible to see subtle changes many years after rhinoplasty surgery. However, this rarely results in better function or appearance. Little will be gained by waiting. You do have problems with pain and drainage which should be evaluated in the neaqr future.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

There are doctors who specialize in secondary rhinoplasty

Hello, I would suggest having a consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in secondary rhinoplasty. There are a handful of plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons who make rhinoplasty their careers. They are used to dealing with difficult problems like yours and it would be worth traveling to see that particular surgeon. I know of at least 2 such surgeons in California and I believe there are some just like that in Dallas as well as the Midwest. Your own... more