Recurrent glabellar mucous cyst: a rare postrhinoplasty complication

Abstract

The appearance of postrhinoplasty mucous cysts is a very rare complication, affecting mostly the nasal dorsum, along with the lines of a nasal osteotomy. There have been also descriptions of other rare locations like the nasal tip, the medial canthus, and the paranasal area. We present for the first time the appearance of a recurrent mucous cyst in the glabellar area, away from any intervention field during a rhinoplasty. Ectopic free mucosal graft implantation during surgical treatment, herniation of mucosa through intranasal incisions, or improper clearing of mucous epithelial remnants and bony or cartilage parts during the operation are the most accepted theories for the formation of mucous cysts after rhinoplasty. Until now, there have been published 19 cases of postrhinoplasty mucous cysts, with the nasal dorsum being the most affected side. The glabella, as a site away from any line of osteotomy in an usually performed rhinoplasty, has never been before reported as a region of mucous cyst formation. The patient is still under periodical control, and 68 months postoperatively, there is no evidence of a recurrence.