Blue string poking out of nose tip decades after surgery. Is this some remnant of my surgery?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty when I was 13. It was a complete disaster and considered a “botched nose job.” This doctor went out of business shortly after. Now I’m 34 and I’ve developed what I thought was a year long pimple on the tip of my nose. one day I had enough and tried to “pop” or pull it out. It hurt so bad and as I pulled, I found it was a blue string. It’s very blue and incredibly painful. I cannot remove it. Is this some remnant of my surgery?

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Most likely this is a prolene suture used on cartilage during your prior surgery. This is a permanent suture, and it would be best to have a surgeon perform an assessment for removal.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Fabulous1800. I'm sorry about your experience.  What you are describing seems to be a suture. I would recommend seeing a rhinoplasty specialist to remove the remainder of the suture. Best of luck, Dr. Nima.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on your description, it looks like a suture used to shape or position tip of the nose? Only on the basis of in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in rhinoplasty, you will find what is the true nature of this foreign body, how to remove it and, possibly, correct still existing nose deformity. Good luck.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI fabulous,

It is probably a suture from your previous surgery. Try to make contact with a rhinoplasty surgeon in your area who can remove the rest of it from your nose.  Try not to pull it anymore.
Hope this helps.

Good Luck,

Dr Christine Rodgers

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I am sorry you have had so many difficulties with your nose.  13 is definitely young for a rhinoplasty and not common practice in most instances (there are extreme exceptions).  And if you had surgery 21 years ago, much has changed in the techniques of rhinoplasty and the understanding of how the nose heals, materials used etc.  You are likely "spitting" a suture from beneath the skin that has worked its way to the surface.  A blue suture is a "permanent" suture meaning it was never meant to resolve.  Removal will NOT make everything fall apart, but leaving it coming out of the skin can open up the risk of infection.  I would seek a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon in your area who is well-versed in rhinoplasty.  They can help with the suture for now.  But you may also be a candidate for revision surgery if needed.
Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fabulous1800,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your description, it sounds like it is a permanent suture. I would suggest you consult a doctor. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

What is the blue string coming out of the tip of your nose? The blue string is a type of suture material that is sometimes used in rhinoplasty. It probably has a knot in it and will need someone with experience such as a plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon to remove it. When foreign material is introduced into the human body, we sometimes eject it over time. This is referred to as a spitting suture, since your body is spitting it out. This is similar to soldiers who 20, 30, or even 40 years after being hit with shrapnel find a piece of metal protruding out through the skin

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Sorry for your problem and it is probably a suture poking out through your skin and should be removed.  So see a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasties and have it removed

Dr Corbin

H. George Brennan, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

It appears from your history that the surgeon used a colored suture while doing the rhinoplasty.  You should consult with a rhinoplasty surgeon in your area, that should be able to easily diagnose your condition and should offer you a very simple solution.

Blue string poking out of nose tip decades after surgery. Is this some remnant of my surgery?

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