Suture granuloma after rhinoplasty 14 years ago? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I had a rhinoplasty back in 2003. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been experiencing redness and irritation where the incision/sutures were and also a big whitehead on it about twice a month. I just noticed something coming out of the skin, and it’s a string of a bright blue suture. Since it has been left in all this time has it been causing my problem? How can it be fixed? Would I have to have surgery again to get the red bump area removed and to remove the suture?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It seems as if the suture may be working its way to the surface and acting as a foreign body and irritating the underlying tissues. Typically, some local anesthetic is used to numb up the area in the office and the suture can be removed and this should cause your nose to settle back down. Good luck in your area.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This looks like a suture that the Doctor probably placed on the cartilage underneath the skin which has now been exposed. You should see your surgeon to remove this suture, otherwise it could cause further irritation. It's possible that once the suture has been removed, the redness will go away,

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

I would follow up with your surgeon. Should be a quick fix for you.Deep sutures help to hold the tissues in place during the healing. Ocassionally the body may work it up to the surface. Removal of the suture is generally will take care of the problem.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A small suture is present and is likely the cause of your symptoms.  You can have this removed at the office without having to go through surgery.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

My rhinoplasty teacher switched from blue, permanent Prolene (Ethicon) sutures, to long-lasting absorbable sutures around two years after my fellowship for exactly this reason - occasionally permanent sutures are rejected and cause recurrent inflammation until removed. Your suture looks outside the skin in your photo, so removal should not require major inconvenience. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Suture granuloma after rhinoplasty 14 years ago? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Suture

Answer: Suture

Answer: Removal of your extruded blue suture 14 years after rhinoplasty may be curative - and performed in the office.

Answer: Removal of your extruded blue suture 14 years after rhinoplasty may be curative - and performed in the office.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Suture granuloma after rhinoplasty 14 years ago? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Suture

Answer: Suture

Answer: Removal of your extruded blue suture 14 years after rhinoplasty may be curative - and performed in the office.

Answer: Removal of your extruded blue suture 14 years after rhinoplasty may be curative - and performed in the office.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.