I’m worried about possible infection in septum from stents/splints inside nose. 1 wk post op (photos)

Question

I had a septorhinoplasty, turbinate reduction and septum perforation repair. The operation lasted 4 hours in total as I had a lot of things done in that time including ear cartilage harvesting and dorsal rasping.. I am 7 days post op and for the past 4 days I have noticed my septum is really swollen and sore and the stents are actually digging into my skin forming a scab on one side. I am worried there is infection. I don’t have a temperature. old blood still coming out of nose and in my throat.

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Fortunately, infection is very unusual after this type of surgery. From photographs, the columella does look a little bit red but you are only four days postop and I think it's unlikely to be significant. Swelling can make your stents a little uncomfortable and I would advise you to return to your surgeon, you will almost certainly remove them at this stage. This will also give him/her an opportunity to examine the septum and make sure things are healMorning Knowles noticeing satisfactorily.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you discuss your healing routine with your board certified facial plastic surgeon and medical team.
Best wishes,

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It isn't common to have an infection from septoplasty surgery. Most likely the discomfort you're experiencing is from swelling on the inside of the nose pushing against those splints. It's probably time to have a check with your surgeon anyway to assess the healing, and they most likely will take the splints out. At that point they can see if you have an infection. Good luck.

Julian Rowe-Jones, MBBS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (ORL) · Answer

I would recommend you see your surgeon.  It is unlikely you have an infection but you do not want excessive pressure from the splints on the septum.  You could also be prescribed creams and ointments to help healing and make you more comfortable.

I’m worried about possible infection in septum from stents/splints inside nose. 1 wk post op (photos)

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I’m worried about possible infection in septum from stents/splints inside nose. 1 wk post op (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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