Why does my nose get red when lying down flat after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I've had 2 rhinoplasty's. Open. I had healing issues, I'll include a picture. It's mostly healed but my nose stays red. It gets worse when I'm lying flat. What could be causing that? I have to have a 3rd surgery and I'm scared it means something is wrong. Especially with my blood supply, I've already had necrosis once.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The redness when you lie down is likely being caused by increased venous outflow obstruction. Hopefully as your swelling decreases, this will improve.. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Jenwest, I think the reason behind the redness is the early healing stage of your surgery as based on the crusting on the nasal incision.  How long was it between surgeries (the first and second).  The more surgery you have the longer it takes to heal and the redness is a sign of decreased blood flowing out of the nose.  Follow your doctors instructions but I wouldn't even consider touching you nose for at LEAST 1 year.  Good luck but please don't rush into anything.  Let it heal!

Why does my nose get red when lying down flat after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (2)