Discharge after septum·ear-cartilage·autologous-dermis rhinoplasty — did cartilage come out?
2024. 7. 9.
An answer to a question about discharge coming from the nose a month after rhinoplasty using septum·ear cartilage·autologous dermis — after a month, the likelihood of cartilage or autologous dermis coming out is low, and the discharge likely looks like scab mixed with mucus — organized.
Key points
- Once a month has passed after surgery, the likelihood of the cartilage and autologous dermis used coming out is low.
- The absence of bleeding alone can't exclude material exposure or a wound problem.
- The discharge could be scab or mucus — but don't scratch or peel further; get the wound checked at the operating clinic.
"The color looks somehow off to call it a booger. Could the cartilage or autologous dermis placed during surgery have come out?"
A question from someone who had nose surgery using septal cartilage, ear cartilage, and hip autologous dermis about a month ago. They'd handled the nose carefully post-surgery, but after lightly scratching out a booger-like discharge with a fingernail, the color looked ambiguous — and shining light inside the nose showed discharge clumped heavily at the tip. They asked whether they'd scratched out the ear cartilage, septum, or autologous dermis used in surgery — and whether such material could come out through the nostril.
This article organizes, based on the answer given, how to judge discharge a month after surgery.
01
Can the cartilage or autologous dermis used in surgery come out?
First — once a month has passed after surgery, the likelihood of the cartilage and autologous dermis used coming out is low.
If cartilage or autologous dermis were to come out, several factors would have had to be present.
| Situation where material can come out | Does this case apply? |
|---|---|
| The wound hasn't recovered over a month | A first month spent under careful management |
| Inflammation persists, leaving the wound open | No such indication |
| Scratched hard enough to open the wound | Wound state can't be settled by bleeding presence alone |
Whether there's material exposure or a wound issue can't be settled by the 'scratched lightly' description and bleeding presence alone. Don't touch further — get the inside of the nose checked at the operating clinic. The kinds and traits of materials used in rhinoplasty can also be seen in the rhinoplasty materials guide.
02
Then what is the discharge clumped at the tip?
The discharge could be scab or mucus mixed inside the nose — but its identity can't be settled without photos and examination.
During post-surgery recovery, scabs and discharge can form inside the nose — and some grow anxious when the color looks different from usual. Nasal care during recovery can be seen in more detail in the rhinoplasty recovery guide.
Still, since it's not certain — if very anxious, visiting the operating clinic for an examination of the current state is advisable.
03
Summary — weigh the likelihood, confirm by exam
Even when unfamiliar discharge appears at the surgery site, you can't straightaway conclude material came out. Conversely, wound problems shouldn't be excluded just because a month passed or there was no bleeding. Don't scratch or peel further — getting the discharge and wound state checked at the operating clinic is advisable.
If there's anything to ask before visiting the operating clinic, it can also be confirmed in a 1:1 video consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.
Can cartilage or autologous dermis come out through the nostril a month after rhinoplasty?
Is it a problem if nasal discharge color differs from usual?
What if it's a day when I can't visit the clinic right away?
Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.