Is my alar base reduction healing properly or infected? (photos)

Question

I kept reading on forums that after a week the scars or healing when alarplasty has been done should hardly be noticeable. But after 8 days I have this pale yellow pus looking where the cut was done. And now there are tiny little bumps forming....Supposedly its just healing, but I need to go back into work and I want to know if I should really be concerned by the looks of it. I've already missed a week and now have to miss another week because not even make up can cover it.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Your incisions are either infected or reacting to suture material or the ointment you are putting on. Step 1. Need oral antibioticStep 2. Get all sutures removedStep 3. Start applying Bactroban (Mupirocin) ointment 5 times a dayStep 4. Buy Hibiclens over the counter hand wash and use that to wash your hands before cleaning your noseStep 5. Clean your incisions with Q tips (cotton applicators) and hydrogen peroxide 5 times a day. Step 6. Buy skin colored (tan) 1/2 inch wide paper tape or ask your surgeon for some and use it to cover the incisions to get back to work. RegardsDr. J

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

If you haven't already, then you should speak directly with your rhinoplasty surgeon. As other surgeons have stated here, incisions after plastic surgery can be red or irritated in the early or later stages of healing from many possible factors, including infection, reaction to sutures, reaction to some ointments, etc. Regardless of possible reasons, your plastic surgeon should evaluate you and determine appropriate options.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Infection is entirely possible, but since both incisions appear inflamed, you could be having a reaction to your sutures. If you're using topical antibiotic ointment with neomycin (Neosporin), you may be having a sensitivity reaction to this topical medication. If you cannot consult with your surgeon, you should visit a reputable rhinoplasty specialist so you could see what might be best for you.Wishing you speedy resolution.Dr. Joseph

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your nasal skin  may be irritated or reacting to the sutures. Best to see your doctor in person to be properly evaluated.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

There is definitely something going on with those incisions. They should be pink at this point but narrow without the film over the top. I recommend that you followup with your surgeon to figure out if this is the normal process for their patients or if there's something you can do to speed the healing. I wish you the best in your recovery.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

What does for chosen surgeon say? To me you are 2 weeks away from being healed, sorry.......//////////

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

At 8 days postop, you are still in the early stages of healing. If the redness and drainage is increasing this could be a sign of infection. You should definitely followup with your rhinoplasty surgeon so they can thoroughly examine this. If this is an early infection, starting you on an antibiotic should prevent progression of this problem. Make this a priority to decrease the chances of any complications. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Is my alar base reduction healing properly or infected? (photos)

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