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Post Rhinoplasty Bump on Inside of Nostril and Red Swollen "Membrane": Normal?

I had rhinoplasty 3 wks ago. 3 days ago I noticed a sore red bump inside my left nostril, at the edge of my columella where the incision begins (suture issue?). When looking at it with a flashlight to get a good view, I ended up looking deeper into the left nostril, and noticed a thick reddish "membrane" deep into the hole which appears to almost fill the passage. The right nostril looks perfect; I can see clearly all the way through. Is this normal internal swelling or a complication? Thanks!!!

Doctor Answers 6

Red bump inside the nose after rhinoplasty

May 1st, 2011
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I agree that the bump near the columella is a suture. Make sure your surgeon sees you to determine if antibiotics are necessary. The larger bump deep in the nose is most likely the end of your inferior turbinate. The turbinate is a shelf of tissue made of bone, and soft tissue. The turbinate is often cauterized during a rhinoplasty and it may become temporarily swollen. Make sure your surgeon examines you thoroughly.

Maurice M. Khosh, MD


New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 15 reviews

Inside nose issues after Rhinoplasty.

May 6th, 2011
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 First, you should not be looking inside your nose and manipulating it in any manner 3 weeks after your Rhinoplasty.  The redness near the suture is a typical reaction to the suture and should resolve without an issue.  The large red object, you see, inside your nose is a normal structure called the inferior turbinate and it's very normal for this to be red and swollen after a Rhinoplasty.  During your next post op visit, have your surgeon look inside to calm your fears...but sounds normal.

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Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

Post Rhinoplasty Bump on Inside of Nostril and Red Swollen "Membrane": Normal?

May 2nd, 2011
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You may be describing the head of inferior turbinate that are present on both side which basically act as air conditioning structures. It is normal to have one side swell up while the other shrink and vice versa.   You should not manipulate your nose after rhinoplasty. You can cause a nose bleed. Follow up with your surgeon and allow him to explain his findings. 

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

Post rhinoplasty

April 30th, 2011
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It is difficult to say what these things are. You may be right about the small bump that could be a suture or swelling.  If you have concerns, I sugget that you contact your surgeontot be evaluated.

Web reference: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Bump and Membrane inside Nostril 3 Weeks Post-op

April 30th, 2011
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The bump could easily be a small suture reaction in the incision line. The membrane may be a small clot or nasal secretions. It is unlikely either are significant problems, but talk to your surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 37 reviews

Post Rhinoplasty Bump on Inside of Nostril and Red Swollen "Membrane": Normal?

April 30th, 2011
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From your description it is hard to tell whether it is  synechiae (adhesion) or pssibly small sub mucosal hematoma.

Your  plastic surgeon  needs to examine your nose and treat it.

Erel Laufer, MD

Erel Laufer, MD
Dunedin Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 36 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.