Surgical management of delayed mucosal cyst after rhinoplasty: a case report

Mucosal cysts are rare late complications of rhinoplasty, appearing anywhere from weeks to years post-surgery. The cyst's location can cause both cosmetic and functional issues. Definitive treatment requires complete surgical excision of the cyst and its capsule to prevent recurrence. A 32-year-old man presented with a 2 × 2-cm painless, soft nasal mass 3 years after open rhinoplasty. The mass had gradually enlarged over 6 months, leading to breathing difficulties. Physical examination revealed a pollybeak deformity. Imaging confirmed a well-defined cystic lesion. The cyst was excised through an open rhinoplasty approach, followed by reconstruction using a costal cartilage graft. The postoperative period was uneventful, with no recurrence or issues at 12 months follow-up. We highlight the importance of meticulous surgical techniques in rhinoplasty to reduce mucosal cyst formation. For cysts >1 cm, open rhinoplasty is preferred due to better reconstruction and lower recurrence rates.