What is an infection risk after rhinoplasty, what are the risks, and what is the treatment?

Question

What sort of infections can occur in rhinoplasty, especially with implants? Is infection avoided by work with sterile environments, tools, & grafting material (including implants)? How is infection treated after surgery? Can an infection cause changes in the nasal tip cartilages? If so, how are those treated?

Vito C. Quatela, MD · Answer

There is a very small risk of infection with rhinoplasty surgery, as there is with any surgical procedure. The risk is elevated if implants are placed during the proceure. Careful adherence to sterile processes, which is observed in all operating facilities, helps keep the risk as small as it is. Infections, if they occur, can oftentimes be treated after surgery with oral medications.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Infection after rhinoplasty is very rare if an implant is not used.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Infection is unusual in rhinoplasty, but the incidence is greater if a nasal  implant is used.   I rarely use nasal implants, and think they are overused, personally.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

In more than 35 years I have never had an infection with a rhinoplasty. The only time you would be susceptible to infection would be with the silicone implant most likely. It would be treated with antibiotics. The best way to avoid this is avoid implants.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually infection after a rhinoplasty is quite rare. If an implant is used the infection rate rises but that could be avoided by using autogenous material from the patient's body. Consult a plastic surgeron with a specielty in facial surgery and review B&A photos.

Brian J. Reagan, MD · Answer

Infections are rare post rhinplasty.  The use of avascular grafts can increase this risk, but the overall risk should still be low (2-3 %). The use of injectibles, silicone grafts, or open wounds from delayed healing can all increase the risk of infection.  Seek a specialist in Rhinoplasty for further information.  All the Best.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The risk of infection after a  rhinoplasty procedure is exceedingly rare. Silastic implants can become infected if they break down the skin overlying the implant which is usually due to a  large  implant placed. The infections are treated with antibiotics and if there is an implant in place with an infection, it must be removed.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Infection in rhinoplasty is pretty unusual and can be difficult to treat. infected or extruding implants usually have to be removed in order to cure the infrction.

What is an infection risk after rhinoplasty, what are the risks, and what is the treatment?

Answers (8)

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