Strange smell in nose 1 year after rhinoplasty - what can I do?

Question

I had Rhinoplasty done a year ago. Nov 2020. I have had a strange smell in my nose on one side since surgery. The smell is foul but not like death. It’s almost like wet dog smell? It doesn’t leak bad but it is a small leak from time to time and it definitely smells everyday all day. I am hoping this isn’t a CSF leak. What can I do? I’ve seen two different plastic surgeons about a revision and I spaced asking them about the scent/leak. They have looked and felt my nose.

Edwin Kwon, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are smelling a persistent foul smell, there is a possibility that you have a persistent low grade infection.  Depending on what was done during your rhinoplasty, you may have a foreign body such as a permanent suture that may be the nidus for the infection.

One easy way to tell is if you complete a course of antibiotics and the smell goes away.  It may return after a while but then you have a better idea that it is likely an infection that is causing the smell.

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