Is it normal for a suture from a rhinoplasty to cause an infection & make its way out of the nose 11 years after surgery?(Photo)

Hello,Your story is somewhat unusual. The suture in your photograph looks like an absorbable suture such as Vicryl. Typically these sutures will disappear after several months, I have seen Vicryl sutures appear years later however. It is not unusual to use of absorbable sutures during rhinoplasty to anchor cartilage grafts or shape tip cartilages. Hopefully the extrusion of the suture will result in the healing of this area. I would continue to use your antibiotic ointment and return to see your surgeon.Sincerely,Jerold J. Olson,MD

While it is not the norm, it can happen.  The sutures may have been permanent sutures that 'worked' their way out.  As long as you have no infection, this should just resolve on it's own.  You may want to use plain saline nasal spray to clear your nose.

Some permanent sutures (sutures that don't resolve) can be used during rhinoplasty surgery. It is very rare but they can work their way through the surface. While a nuisance, they will not cause any permanent harm.