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)

Question

I had rhinoplasty done 11 years ago. About a year ago I developed a sore in my nose that was [RS bleep] and bleeding. I went to my doctor and was given an antibiotic cream due to having a test result show positive results for staff infection. A few days after using the antibiotic, I noticed a white string poking through the sore... I tugged on it, feeling pressure all the way up by my eye, and a stitch ended up coming out! Well the same thing happened again this week.

Jerold Olson, MD · Answer

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

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

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.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

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.

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)

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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)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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