Do I need treatment for this abscess in my nose after rhinoplasty?

Question

Hi! So, about a month and a week ago I had an operation (done by a reputable surgeon) on my nose to reduce a hump and shorten the tip a bit. I'm very happy with my results, but an abscess has developed in one nostril and it's only increasing in size -- by this point, I can't even breathe out of the nostril. It's unsightly, painful and worrying me immensely, but my mother doesn't want to take me to the doctor because I'm seeing my surgeon for a checkup in two weeks. What should I do?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If your condition is worsening, please visit your surgeon as soon as possible. If you have an abscess, it may be treated with local drainage, culture, and antibiotics. Hope this helps, and I wish you a speedy and uneventful recovery.Dr Joseph

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about what is going on.  You really should go see your surgeon as soon as you can.  If possible, send him the images that you have posted here to give him a better idea of what is happening.  Sometimes you can get a small abscess from a dissolving stitch that your body simply does not like.  However, they would know what was done during the surgery in that area and if so, what to expect.  That being said, treating them can be quite simple.  As was discussed earlier, opening it and putting you on oral antibiotics with nasal sprays usually does the trick.  As long as its treated appropriately and promptly, it should have no serious effect on your end result.  However, I strongly recommend you see your surgeon as there is no point in prolonging what you are going through.  Best of luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with 1 month after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

You should see your surgeon as soon as possible. This is not a normal part of your recovery. You may have a localized access, follicular cyst or granuloma and it needs to be treated, drained or removed. Please contact your surgeon today and arrange a visit. Good luck.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos and sorry to hear about your rhinoplasty healing issue.  Yes, you should seek treatment from your surgeon sooner rather than later.  Treatment of the abscess may be as simple as opening it up and placing you on oral antibiotics as well as nasal sprays to keep it clean.  It may go away on its own and it may have no affect on your overall result but there is no point in suffering or taking the chance that it may affect the healing in that area.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Do I need treatment for this abscess in my nose after rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post Operative Nose Surgery Questions

Answer: Post Operative Nose Surgery Questions

Answer: Abscess treatment

Answer: Abscess treatment

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Do I need treatment for this abscess in my nose after rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Post Operative Nose Surgery Questions

Answer: Post Operative Nose Surgery Questions

Answer: Abscess treatment

Answer: Abscess treatment

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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.