Nose abscess after thread rhinoplasty: a case report

A 45-year old female patient developed progressive nose swelling and tenderness after undergoing non-surgical rhinoplasty using polydioxanone threads. Surgical drainage procedure of the nose was done. Intra-operative findings revealed abscess formation over the nasal dorsum extending inferiorly to the nasal tip, supra-septal region and columella. Pus and necrotic materials were evacuated. Culture and sensitivity revealed Propionibacterium acnes sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. Repair of the tip was done with re-approximation of the lower lateral cartilages. The patient recovered with unremarkable post-operative course. Thread use is fast becoming a trend as an option to non-surgical filler and surgical rhinoplasty. Although threads are generally safer than fillers and the technique for insertion is simpler than implant based procedures, surgical aseptic and antiseptic methods should still be strictly applied to prevent the complication of infection.