Nose Still Swollen After Cellulitis 3 and a Half Weeks Later?

Question

I got cellulitis on the inside of my nose that extended to the outside center of it, the top, and part of the left side about 3 and a half weeks ago. I got on antibiotics quickly and finished my full course. I had some drainage but I did not require a lancing. The infection is long gone and I haven't had pain in weeks but there is still swelling and redness. Is this normal for the nose? Can this prolonged cause swelling cause any damage or scars? Can a rhinoplasty correct it?

Jennifer L. Harb, MD · Answer

It is normal for the nose to be swollen after having an infection, and this swelling may linger for weeks depending on the extent of your infection and your nose anatomy. However, any redness or pain may indicate a persistent infection, and this should be monitored very closely. A nasal infection, depending on the extent, can cause nasal damage and scars. A rhinoplasty can correct this in some cases, but may surgeons, myself included, wait around one year before operating to ensure that the nose is fully healed from the infection, all swelling is gone, and scar tissue has had time to settle.

Nose Still Swollen After Cellulitis 3 and a Half Weeks Later?

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