What Are The Signs Of Infection After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty

There is always a potential risk of infection after any type of surgery. Rhinoplasty is no exception to this, even though it is a relatively less invasive procedure. Nose reshaping plastic surgery involves creating tiny incisions. The skin acts as a natural barrier against infection causing bacteria. Any opening leaves the door wide open for pathogens to get in.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding communities.

Infection Signs and Symptoms

It is normal to experience mild pain and swelling following a nose job. However, when the pain and swelling become worse, it may be a sign of infection. This is especially when the pain and swelling make the affected area red and warm to touch with yellow or green fluid leaking from the incision.

You should see your surgeon as soon as possible if this and any other signs or symptoms are observed following the rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery. This is to prevent the spread of infection among other complications.

• Abnormally high swelling
• Persistent pain
• Redness that does not subside
• A yellow or green fluid discharging from the incision site
• Fever keeps coming back
• The skin feels warm or hot to the touch
• A bad smell coming from the incision site
• Excessive nosebleeds

Infection Following Rhinoplasty

Greater understanding of infection cause and advances in surgical techniques has helped reduce the risk of infection following a nose reshaping surgery. Infection can occur even if your surgeon followed utmost care during surgery because of lacking aftercare.

Infections can occur whenever there is an opening or wound in the skin. The skin acts as a barrier and keeps the bacteria out. Damaged skin allows bacteria to enter which causes infection to occur. These are a few possible ways in which bacteria may enter the incision site:

• Bacteria may enter from the air
• Improperly cleaned incisions
• Unclean hands were used during incision dressing
• Incisions are kept moist and not allowed to dry

In rare circumstances, bacteria may be introduced if there was a lack of proper sterilization during surgery. It may occur even if the skin around the area is not cleaned properly.

Minimizing the Risk of Infection

Reputable surgeons and teams take great precautions and care to keep the environment sterile while operating. In some cases, infection may be the result of issues with patient aftercare. This has made it important for patients to properly care for their sutures after the surgery. These are a few ways patients can reduce the risk of infection following a nose surgery:

• Keep all follow-up visits
• Follow post-operative instructions
• Keep your incisions dry and clean
• Change dressings and bandages
• Air dry the incisions before you bandage or cover them
• Get plenty of rest to keep your immune system strong
• Contact your doctor when you notice the first symptoms of infection

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim

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