With advancements in rhinoplasty techniques, ePTFE has become a widely used material in nose augmentation procedures. Those familiar with ePTFE rhinoplasty know it carries a lower infection risk compared to silicone implants. So, what should you do if an ePTFE rhinoplasty infection occurs?
What to do if an ePTFE rhinoplasty becomes infected?
The unique microporous structure on the surface of ePTFE allows the body's own capillaries to grow into it, making it resemble natural tissue. However, these ingrown capillaries also turn ePTFE into an ideal growth medium. Once bacteria enter, they can multiply rapidly, making infection from an ePTFE rhinoplasty extremely dangerous.So what should be done if an ePTFE rhinoplasty infection occurs?
Plastic surgery experts note that ePTFE rhinoplasty infections can be categorized as early-stage (postoperative) infections or late-stage infections. If an infection occurs within half a month after surgery, it indicates insufficiently strict sterile technique during the procedure. As long as surgeons strictly adhere to sterile principles during surgery, meticulously suture the postoperative wound, and carefully manage post-operative suture removal and wound care, the rate of early-stage infections can be reduced.
Regarding long-term infections occurring two months or even half a year to a year post-surgery, these are largely related to the patient's own condition and are mostly caused by retrograde infection.
Why is this the case? In actual practice, we've encountered and heard of several cases: some patients habitually pick their nose or trim nasal hair, causing nasal mucosal ulcers. Bacteria then invade the ePTFE graft through these ulcers, leading to infection.Others involve nasal boils or excessive sebum production leading to blackheads, where squeezing these causes retrograde infection. Therefore, understanding silicone rhinoplasty is crucial to prevent such complications.
Post-Rhinoplasty Care
To prevent infections after silicone rhinoplasty, diligent postoperative care is essential. Avoid exposing the wound to water until it has fully healed. Correct harmful habits such as squeezing blackheads or trimming nasal hair. Maintain nasal skin cleanliness, and promptly treat any nasal boils. With these precautions, long-term infections are rare.Therefore, if both the surgeon and the patient prioritize infection prevention during and after surgery, silicone implant infections can be avoided.
1. Apply antibiotic ointment to the incision site post-surgery. Keep the wound exposed without bandaging. Minor bleeding may occur; gently dab with sterile cotton swabs. Avoid touching the wound with unclean items to prevent contamination.
2. Bleeding typically ceases within 3 hours post-surgery. If blood crusts accumulate, gently wash them away with 3% hydrogen peroxide 24-48 hours after surgery. Follow with saline rinsing, apply a thin layer of ointment, or sprinkle anti-inflammatory powder to keep the wound dry. Allow natural healing; sutures are removed after 5-7 days.
III. Maintain a semi-reclining position post-surgery to facilitate blood circulation. Avoid lowering your head on the first day to prevent bleeding. On the second and third days, consume liquid foods and avoid irritating foods.
IV. Swelling typically begins 1-2 hours after surgery, peaks around 24 hours, subsides after 48 hours, and starts to diminish after 72 hours, gradually restoring the original appearance.