How long should I have yellow crusts on nostril & scabs inside? (Photo)

Question

How long should there be a scab on the internal incision after a closed rhinoplasty? I cant get it on the picture but when I put my finger an bit inside it is right after that bulge, where I drew the blue line. Horizontal and against my septum. I also noticed these yellow spotty crusts on the side of my columella, pretty obvious in the picture. Is that normal? My surgeon never once looked inside my nostrils to see if everything had healed right :(

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Sometimes people get redness and crusting from a runny nose after surgery. Consider trying OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream with a QTip, and this may go away. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

The area may be an area of slight depression now which an incision was made and thus susceptible to collection of moisture and mucus. 
Discuss your concerns with your nasal surgeon for a detailed examination and explanation of this issue. In the meantime, keep it moist with saline-based sprays and gels to minimize this for you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The bulge is lower edge of septum. You don’t say how long since surgery or if there is a cartilage graft under there. Best to go back to your surgeon

Joseph Shvidler, MD · Answer

Most crusting and scabbing should resolve after 2 weeks after routine closed rhinoplasty. It may take up to 4 weeks for some sutures to dissolve. Crusting can accumulate around the sutures until they are trimmed or fall out. If you have prolonged scabbing  fro more than 6 weeks, there may be 1) healing issue such as chronic inflammation or low grade infection or 2) mechanical obstruction (such as a ridge of cartilage in the septum  that creates an area of accumulation of crust. You should have your surgeon examine your nose

How long should I have yellow crusts on nostril & scabs inside? (Photo)

Answers (4)