Weird rotten cheese-like smell in nose 4 weeks post op Rhinoplasty. Any suggestions?

Question

I started having a really weird rotten cheese-smell in my nose after my rhinoplasty. I'm currently 4 weeks post op and from what I've searched, it seems that a lot of people were having the same problem. Would anybody else smell this from my nose if I were to stand or sit by them (it's kinda awkward to ask someone) or is it in my nasal cavity? What should I do?? Is it safe to use Netipot 4 weeks post op??

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon for some patients to complain about an odor after surgery.  This can be from a number of things.  Your doctor needs to look inside with a speculum and make sure everything is ok.  It can be from retained packing, or dead tissue from work on your turbinates or septum.  Irrigations with Saline sprays are safe and helpful

Paul E. Goco, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!  Yes it is a very common issues after surgery.  It is safe to start saline nasal spray and the Neti pot for this condition at anytime.  It could represent just a simple overgrowth of normal bacteria or  the beginning of a bigger infection. Please see your surgeon if it does not go away within a few days.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, I recommend going back to see your plastic surgeon so that they can take a look inside your nose. A few things that can cause a bad smell...infection, packing, non viable tissues, to name a few. Good Luck.

Ivo Gwanmesia, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.I have had a couple of patients complain of an unpleasant smell in the nose a few weeks after rhinoplasty. In these 2 patients, clinical examination was unremarkable. However, I advised them to use nasal sprays twice daily and this did the trick in a few days. It may well be as a consequence of non viable tissue within the nose immediately after surgery.Hope my answer helps.Ivo

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

You nose should be fairly clean after four weeks, and saline spray can help the process. The strange smaell could be an infection, and perhaps a bit of a nasal pack retained in the nose. Have your surgoen take a look right away.

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

Hard to say what is going on. I would f/u with your surgeon and have him/her do an exam. I hope this helps.

Weird rotten cheese-like smell in nose 4 weeks post op Rhinoplasty. Any suggestions?

Answers (6)