Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure designed to change the shape of the nose or improve breathing. While generally considered a safe procedure, an infection is a rare but potentially serious complication that can occur. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment of such infections is important for anyone undergoing this type of surgery.
Recognizing the Signs
While some redness, swelling, and bruising are expected after rhinoplasty, worsening or persistent symptoms indicate an infection, requiring prompt treatment. Patients should look for increasing pain that intensifies over time. Persistent or worsening redness and significant swelling beyond the initial post-operative period are concerning indicators.
Other signs include warmth around the surgical site, unusual discharge like yellow or green pus, or a foul smell from the nose or incisions. Systemic symptoms like fever and chills can signal an infection. A change in breathing or worsening nasal obstruction may also be a sign. If any of these symptoms appear, particularly within 3 to 10 days post-surgery, contact the surgeon immediately.
Causes and Risk Factors
Infections after rhinoplasty often stem from bacterial contamination. Bacteria may enter the surgical site if sterile techniques are not strictly maintained or instruments are not properly sterilized. Contact with body fluids during surgery can introduce bacteria.
Patient-specific factors include a compromised immune system due to conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases, which reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. The presence of foreign materials, such as implants, can increase infection risk. Poor post-operative wound care, such as not cleaning the surgical site or not taking prescribed medications, significantly raises infection likelihood. Physical trauma to the surgical area, like scratching or aggressive nose blowing, can lead to inflammation and infection.
Treatment Approaches
Prompt treatment is important if rhinoplasty infection is suspected. The initial approach often involves administering antibiotics, which may be oral or intravenous depending on the infection’s severity. For minor skin infections around incision sites, topical antibiotic ointments may be prescribed. Oral antibiotics are used for deeper or internal infections and must be taken exactly as directed.
In cases where pus or an abscess forms, surgical drainage may be necessary to remove the infected fluid. If the infection is severe and does not respond to initial antibiotic treatment, debridement (removal of infected tissue) might be required. In rare, severe cases, especially when implants are involved, their removal might be considered, often followed by a waiting period of several months before any revision surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent the infection from spreading, which could damage tissues or affect the final surgical outcome.
Preventing Infection
Preventing rhinoplasty infection involves careful measures from both the surgical team and the patient. Surgeons adhere to meticulous sterile techniques during operation and may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics before or after surgery to minimize bacterial contamination. Choosing a qualified surgeon and a facility with strict hygiene and sterilization protocols is a good first step.
Patients have a significant role in prevention through diligent post-operative care. This includes following all wound care instructions precisely, such as cleaning incision sites with prescribed solutions and keeping the area dry. Patients should avoid touching or scratching the nose, refrain from smoking (which impairs wound healing), and attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring the healing process. Maintaining good overall hygiene, avoiding irritants, and taking all prescribed medications, including the full course of antibiotics, are important preventive steps.