Is a rotting smell after rhinoplasty normal?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty 2 months ago and pretty much the whole time I’ve had this rotting flesh smell only on one side. Just makes me nervous because I’ve had an impetigo/staph breakout as a kid and needed antibiotics to keep it from creeping up into sinuses and further. I have no other symptoms though like fever or pus etc.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Decreased cilia motion can cause the nose to have a "rotten" smell or dead meat smell.  The use of dilute hydrogen peroxide can help decrease the smell. Typically the smell disappears around week 8-12.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

What you described is not normal and your surgeon should be made aware of this.  There could be bacterial colonization (or worse) causing this.  Maybe some packing  material was left?  Don't assume this it's normal.

Is a rotting smell after rhinoplasty normal?

Answers (2)