Is my incision becoming infected? I'm 25 days post alarplasty. (photos)

Question

Hello, I had an alarplasty 25 days ago. I am currently abroad on vacation so cannot see/call my doctor at the moment. I noticed that the incision inside my right nostril looks a little more red and maybe more swollen than before. Is it the beginning stages of becoming infected? Does it look like something I should try to see a doctor in the current foreign country I'm in? Or is it just the normal healing process? Thank you.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It does not look infected at the moment.  I would recommend applying an antibiotic ointment regularly to help the skin heal and the crusting resolve faster.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question. From looking at your photos I do not see any evidence of infection. In addition it would be very unlikely to develop a surgical infection this far our from your procedure. It may however be a good idea to email these photos to your plastic surgeon just to keep them up to date with your recovery. All the best.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  It does not look infected to me.  Rather, the appearance makes me think its the scarring associated with dissolvable sutures.  If you had dissolvable sutures placed this may be the case since these type of sutures can sometimes result in a little more inflammation.  Even if you had surgery abroad I would still contact your plastic surgeon and send them these photos so they can see and guide you in your recovery.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There is absolutely no sign of infection in your pictures. Frequently patients will assume any redness implies an infection. Some inflammation is associated with all healing.All the best,Talmage Raine MD

Is my incision becoming infected? I'm 25 days post alarplasty. (photos)

Answers (4)

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