Foreign-body inclusion cyst presenting on the lateral nasal sidewall 1 year after rhinoplasty

Hemostasis and decreased risk of synechiae formation are benefits of nasal packing after sinus surgery; however, these must be weighed against the possible complications, which can include devastating toxic shock syndrome. Nasal packing is often impregnated with an ointment that allows for a less traumatic placement into and removal from the nasal cavity, as well as providing some antibiotic coverage for nasal bacterial flora. Orbital complications secondary to the petroleum-based packing have been reported. When sinus surgery is performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty, there is a possibility of petroleum ointment migrating into intranasal incisions or osteotomy sites. A 15-year-old girl was examined 1 year after endoscopic sinus surgery combined with an open rhinoplasty had been performed at another institution. Physical examination showed a widened nasal dorsum with an open-roof deformity and a 1-cm firm mass lateral to her lateral nasal sidewall. The pathological examination after removal of the cyst showed a foreign-body inclusion cyst or lipogranuloma. The cyst contained a petroleum-based substance.