Why does my nose have such a horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair?

Question

I had nose surgery about a month ago. My nasal passages are extremely small, so they had to shrink my turbinates and also repair my septum. I am following all of the DRs orders. I still even sleep with my head elevated. However, the past week or so, my nose has an incredibly horrid smell. It's so bad that my husband can smell it when he kisses me. (This is super embarrassing.) I am just not sure what to do.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

My colleagues have all given good answers, but none really answer the question. The odor you perceive is due to exposed bone (from the turbinate resections) that has not had mucous membrane healing cover the cut edge. This bone becomes contaminated with nasal bacteria (perhaps altered by antibiotic coverage), and the "infected/contaminated" dead bone edge smells, mightily!Antibiotics and irrigations might solve the issue, but I learned years ago the best way for dealing with this was to return to the operating room and use a small pituitary ronguer to nip off the exposed edge of bone, which neatly removes the source of the odor and starts the healing process. This can be done easily and without anesthesia in most cases (topical cocaine packs and oral or IV sedation can help the squeamish). Talk to your surgeon--this is easily correctable! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

Have you contacted your surgeon about this?  If not you should do so immediately.  You don't want to risk an infection that could compromise your result.   Don't rely on advice from random people on the internet.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear bribradnewyork,

I agree with Dr. Bressler's and Dr. Tholen's comments below. Start with nasal irrigation and a thorough exam with a speculum to make sure there is not a retained foreign body and to remove any crusting. If that does not solve the problem then a return to surgery to look for exposed bone is the proper protocol to handle this problem.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is rather difficult to guarantee a reliable evaluation of your concern without an in-person exam. Since foul smell may indicate a potential infection.  It can also be from retained fluid, tissue or a blood clot in the canal which often improves with irrigating with salt water.  It is imperative that you get in touch with your plastic surgeon. In case of crusts or scabs inside the nose, nasal saline irrigation may help in alleviating your concern.

As always, an in-person examination with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and provide a reliable medical advice.

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

Have your surgeon examine you very soon. While an infection is possible a little bit of material such as an exposed suture or some dressing is more likely.  Saline irrigation is an excellent treatment but you will need to be instructed how to perform it correctly.

Why does my nose have such a horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair?

Answers (8)

Answer: Foul smell post-op

Answer: Foul smell post-op

Answer: Horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair

Answer: Horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair

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Why does my nose have such a horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair?

Answers (8)

Answer: Foul smell post-op

Answer: Foul smell post-op

Answer: Horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair

Answer: Horrible smell after turbinate reduction and septum repair

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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.