Infected suture after Rhinoplasty. (photo)

Question

The item circled in red is a suture protruding from the left side of my nose. The area is red, tender and painful to the touch. It's a very sharp, shooting pain if I touch it. I wanted to make sure this was normal as I was told all internal sutures were dissolvable. I had surgery on Friday, May 30th. The one in black seems leftover from when the external sutures were removed. Was wondering if this will dissolve as well or need to be removed at a later date.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear akriener,If you are having tenderness and redness, please see your surgeon as soon as possibleEven internal stitches that dissolve can get infectedThe black stitch can be removed at your follow upBest,Nima Shemirani

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You should always consult your surgeon about these concerns.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA........

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

If the area is red, tender and painful to the touch, as you have described, it sounds like you should contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. He or she may need to examine your nose to determine why the suture is still there and if that's what's causing the irritation.

Steven Montante, MD · Answer

It is most likely a reaction to the suture material used in the closure. I would recommend follow up with your surgeon to rule out an infection.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It may well be a piece of the external suture and needs to be removed to control the infection/irritation. See your surgeon as soon as possible.

Infected suture after Rhinoplasty. (photo)

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