Weird Smell In My Nose 6 Weeks Post-Op, Could This Be Infection?

Question

hi im about 6 weeks post op from a rhinoplasty. when i go to clean my nose i can smell this weird scent in my nose. its like im smelling my own nose. could this scent in my nose be an infection?

Mike Majmundar, MD · Answer

Surgery on the outside or inside of your nose disrupts the normal movement of mucous to the back of your nose and throat.  As a result, mucous takes longer to clear and can dry up causing some individuals to have an odd smell as a result.  Packing left behind in the nose inadvertently can lead to infection which can also smell in which case see your surgeon soon.  Frequent saline use or saline irrigation use can help clear the odor from mucous accumulation.  Most patients with this issue have a clearance of the smell within 2-3 months by which time the normal mucociliary clearance of your nose is back to work.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

This could be a sign of many things and you need to follow up with your surgeon asap for evaluation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It could be. The only way to find out for sure is to have your surgeon examine you. If in doubt about anything, always consult with your surgeon. Best wishes, Dr. H

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, a few more details would be in order. Do you have any nasal implant that was used for dorsal augmentation?  It oculd be also a retained piece of packing or an infection. Either way you should go see your surgeon.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

An abnormal smell inside your nose several weeks following a rhinoplasty is not normal and usually represents a problem. This can include such issues as retained packing material, an open and non-healing area and infection. You should contact your surgeon and have him/her investigate further.

Weird Smell In My Nose 6 Weeks Post-Op, Could This Be Infection?

Answers (9)

Answer: Weird smell from nose

Answer: Weird smell from nose

Answer: Foul odor in nose 6 weeks following a rhinoplasty is abnormal

Answer: Foul odor in nose 6 weeks following a rhinoplasty is abnormal

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Weird Smell In My Nose 6 Weeks Post-Op, Could This Be Infection?

Answers (9)

Answer: Weird smell from nose

Answer: Weird smell from nose

Answer: Foul odor in nose 6 weeks following a rhinoplasty is abnormal

Answer: Foul odor in nose 6 weeks following a rhinoplasty is abnormal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.