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, FACS · 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.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello ~

	You may be describing either an infective process, or as my colleagues mentioned, a foreign body, such as packing, that may have been left behind after surgery. Either way, it warrents an further investigation. Follow up with your plastic surgeon as soon as you can.

	Best ~

	Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

You need to go back in and see your surgeon. My first thought was packing or a piece of gelfoam that was left inside.

David A. Bray, Sr., MD · Answer

Yes what you smell well could be an infection. You need to return to your doctor and have him check for that and for the possability that a small piece of packing was left behind

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

There shouldn't be any weird smells in your nose at any time after a Rhinoplasty. Odd smells, redness and increasing pressure are all signs of possible infections after a Rhinoplasty and you should be seen by your Rhinoplasty surgeon ASAP for a nasal exam. Having turbinate resection or modification, during a Rhinoplasty IMHO, can lead to internal tissue slough and inflammation similar to what you are describing.

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

Answers (9)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is the Yellow Patch Inside my Nostril an Infection?

Can Tip Reduction Be Performed Under Local Anesthesia?

Is It Wrong to Clean the Nose with Cotton Stick Few Days After Nose Operation?

Is It Possible to Reduce Nose Bridge Height and Bring Tip Back Up After Rhinoplasty?

What Are The Risks Of Removing A Bump From The Bridge Of My Nose?

How Long Do I Have to Wait After Rhinoplasty to Go Tanning?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS