Why do I keep blowing out dried scabs every couple of days? How can I prevent them from coming back?

Question

Hi, I am currently 2 months post rhinoplasty/septoplasty and I've been getting these huge scabs/boogers coming out of the very back of my nose every couple of days. I begin to notice them when I start smelling a disgusting smell in the back of my nose. Both nostrils seem to have the exact same problem and it is irritating having to blow these things out every couple of days not knowing why they keep growing back. I have attached a picture(sorry its gross) of what exactly comes out. Thanks doctor

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

In general, the typical
side effects of rhinoplasty may include the following:

1) Mild pain

2) Congestion

3) Blood tinged discharge for
48-72 hours following surgery

4) Swelling

5) Numbness

It is abnormal to have a these large crust coming out of the nose at this time.  I would have a full intra-nasal evaluation on your next appointment.  You will like need a scope placed in the nose to see how the entire nose is healing on the inside.I agree humidification will help at this time.  You may want to consider placing a humidifier in your room to help.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

These scabs form because the inside of the nose is not fully healed.  It is unusual that this would still be happening 2 months out, but I don't know exactly what was done during your surgery.  There is an area that has not fully remucosalized yet and continually forms scabs.  Obviously let your surgeon know.  Conservative treatments like nettipot or sinurinse can help keep the area moist which expedites the healing process.  Occassionally, there can be a bone spicule that has been stripped of its mucosa and is a source of recalcitrant crusting or a septal perforation.  See your surgeon who will need to look inside your nose to diagnose the exact problem.  All the best!

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear eleyano,

Thank you for your clinical post and photograph.  Scabbing following a septorhinoplasty is
quite common, however, recurrent large scab discharge two months following
septorhinoplasty is unusual.  It usually
indicates there is some internal pathology that needs to be investigated either
a septal perforation and expose non-healing portion of the septum or expose
internal nasal lining of the bone.  There
are more cephalad sinuses such as ethmoid sinuses that could be involved,
as well.  The foul smell is a clue to
some sort of inflammatory infectious process and it is imperative that you
visit with your operative rhinoplasty surgeon who will do an internal
nasendoscope to analyze the internal architecture, diagnose the cause of the
scabbing and institute treatment.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Why do I keep blowing out dried scabs every couple of days? How can I prevent them from coming back?

Answers (3)

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.

Why do I keep blowing out dried scabs every couple of days? How can I prevent them from coming back?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.