Paraffinoma revisited: a post-operative condition following rhinoplasty nasal packing

Paraffin impregnated tulle is frequently used as a post-operative dressing after surgical repair of wounds, on skin-donor sites and in packing of tissue cavities. Historically, paraffin has been injected into various sites of the body and paraffinoma is a well-described complication. Despite this, nasal packing with paraffin gauze is still common after rhinoplasty. We report a case of paraffinoma occurring after rhinoplasty and discuss the avoidance of this rare but serious complication and suggest silicon mesh as an alternative dressing.