What are rhinoplasty infection symptoms?

The rate of nasal infections after rhinoplasty are relatively low. However, in the extremely rare cases where infection may affect your nose, it can impair healing and the surgical outcome, highlighting the importance of mitigating the risks of infection. Rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure and should only be done by an experienced surgeon who is registered with the General Medical Council or similar regulatory bodies.

The rate of nasal infections following nose jobs is generally low, but when they do occur, they can cause serious complications and interfere with the healing process, potentially affecting the final surgical outcome. Infection can lead to prolonged swelling, discomfort, and in some cases, the need for additional corrective procedures highlighting the importance of preventing infection.

How do I know if my rhinoplasty is infected?

In the initial recovery phase after rhinoplasty, the risk of infection is slightly higher while the incisions are still healing. This is a period where careful monitoring is essential, both by you at home and by your surgeon during scheduled post-operative appointments. At these check-ups, your surgeon will examine the surgical area for any signs that may suggest the early stages of infection, as prompt identification can help prevent complications.

Common infection after rhinoplasty symptoms include persistent or increasing redness around the surgical site, which may be accompanied by warmth or tenderness. Unusual discharge, particularly fluid that appears yellow or green, can also be a warning sign and should not be ignored. Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills or a general feeling of being unwell can indicate that the infection is affecting your body more widely. Another important rhinoplasty infection sign to watch for is increasing facial swelling around the nose and surrounding tissues. Swelling peaks within the first week of surgery, gradually improving over time following this point. Worsening symptoms of swelling can signal an inflammatory response linked to infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms between follow-up appointments, contacting your surgical team promptly allows them to assess your condition and, if necessary, start treatment without delay. This can help support a smoother recovery and reduce the likelihood of the infection affecting the final outcome of your rhinoplasty.

If you notice any signs of infection after your rhinoplasty, you should seek immediate medical attention and contact your surgeon for advice. They will be able to assess your symptoms, determine whether an infection is present, and, if necessary, prescribe oral antibiotics to help control it. In some cases, they may also recommend additional treatments or adjustments to your aftercare routine to support healing and prevent the infection from progressing.

What is the healing process after rhinoplasty?

The healing process after rhinoplasty generally takes a few weeks, during which aftercare plays an important role in supporting recovery and lowering the risk of infection. Immediately after the procedure, your surgeon may place nasal packing inside your nose to help manage bleeding, maintain internal support, and protect the surgical area. This packing is typically removed within the first week. Throughout your recovery, you will be advised to follow specific instructions to avoid infection, protect the results of your surgery and encourage optimal healing. These may include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet: eating nutrient-rich foods can help your body repair tissues and maintain overall strength during recovery.
• Taking prescribed medications: using antibiotics, pain relief or other prescribed treatments as directed by your surgeon can help manage discomfort and reduce the likelihood of complications.
• Avoiding strenuous exercise: high-impact or physically demanding activities can increase swelling, raise blood pressure and disrupt the healing tissues.
• Attending follow-up appointments: regular check-ups allow your surgeon to assess healing progress, remove nasal packing or sutures and address any early signs of potential complications.
• Keeping surgical sites clean: gently cleaning the area as instructed by your surgeon helps remove dried blood or debris and will significantly reduce the serious infection risk, while simultaneously supporting healthy healing.

By closely following these recommendations and communicating with your surgical team about any concerns, you can help protect your recovery and support the best possible outcome from your rhinoplasty.

What are other signs of complications of rhinoplasty?

In addition to infection, there are other potential signs that something may have gone wrong after rhinoplasty. Some of these can develop during the early healing process, while others may become noticeable over time as the nose settles into its new shape. These include:

• Breathing difficulties: difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils after surgery if internal nasal structures have been damaged, altered incorrectly or have healed in a way that narrows the nasal passages.
• Saddle nose deformity: describes a noticeable dip or collapse along the bridge of the nose, often caused by the over-removal of cartilage or bone, weakening the structural support of the nose.
• Asymmetry: visible differences in size, shape or angle between the two sides of the nose may indicate poor surgical planning, uneven cartilage removal, or issues during the healing process.
• Alar collapse: weakening or narrowing of the nostrils, particularly during inhalation, can result from a lack of support in the nasal sidewalls after surgery. This can make breathing difficult and affect the appearance of the nose.
• A drooping or excessively upturned tip: changes in the angle of the nasal tip that appear unnatural or were not discussed before surgery may result from over-removal or incorrect reshaping of cartilage.
• Excessive removal of cartilage: taking away too much structural cartilage can compromise the strength and stability of the nose, leading to both functional and aesthetic problems.

If you have experienced any of these complications after rhinoplasty, it is important to seek medical attention and be treated promptly. Arrange an appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns, and if you have lost confidence in their care, consider seeking a second opinion from another qualified practitioner who may advise on revision surgery.

Your rhinoplasty surgeon's legal obligations

Your surgeon has a legal duty of care and is expected to follow best practices before, during and after your nose reshaping surgery to minimise the risk of avoidable complications or an unsatisfactory outcome. This responsibility applies throughout your treatment journey - from your first consultation to your final follow-up appointment.

Before surgery:

• Give you realistic expectations for your rhinoplasty outcome: you should be informed of what can and cannot be achieved based on your anatomy, including any limitations on altering the size, shape or symmetry of your nose. Unrealistic promises or overly optimistic projections may leave you unprepared for the true results.
• Assess your suitability for the procedure: this includes reviewing your medical history, allergic reactions to surgical materials, current health, skin condition, nasal structure and any previous nasal surgery to determine if rhinoplasty is appropriate and safe for you.
• Explain any alternative treatment options: your surgeon should make you aware of non-surgical alternatives, such as dermal fillers for minor reshaping, so you can make an informed choice.
• Communicate all potential risks clearly: you must be made aware of possible complications, from swelling and bruising to breathing difficulties, scarring or asymmetry, so you understand the full scope of risks before consenting to surgery.

During surgery:

• Follow the surgical plan and technique agreed during your consultation: any changes to the plan without your informed consent may breach your trust and could affect your results.
• Use correct surgical methods and maintain appropriate hygiene standards: this includes working in a sterile environment, using the right instruments, and handling tissues carefully to reduce the risk of infection, tissue damage or structural issues.

After surgery:

• Provide clear post-operative care instructions: you should receive detailed guidance on proper wound care for your surgical site, how often to do this and activities you should avoid to prevent infection and other complications.
• Arrange follow-up appointments: your surgeon should monitor your healing progress, look for early signs of problems such as infection, tissue necrosis or irregularities from the expected outcome. They should also provide prompt treatment if needed.
• Prescribe pain medication where appropriate: adequate pain relief should be offered to help you manage discomfort during recovery.

If your surgeon failed these duties during rhinoplasty surgery and you have suffered as a result you could be entitled to claim compensation.