Rhinoplasty: Q&A

Ask a Question

Will Incisions on the Side of the Nose Causes Permanent Scaring? (photo)

Hi Doc, These are the photos 7 days after the stitches are removed post rhinoplasty surgery. From the photos, you can clearly see the cut lines. Will this lead to permanent scaring? What should be done? Please advice. Thank You.

10 Doctor Answers | Asked by John12345
+1

Will Incisions on the Side of the Nose Causes Permanent Scaring?

The incisions appear to be from an internal Weir procedure to reduce the size of the nostrils during your Rhinoplasty. Incisions will be red, then pink and after a period of time become similar color to the skin. Two weeks is very soon for this process that takes a few months to complete IMHO. You can discuss this with your Rhinoplasty Surgeon if you're concerned.
+1

Scarring Following Incisions on Side of Nose

There is always a scar after any skin incision, but the goal is make that scar acceptable and inconspicuous by placing the incision where it is hidden or is located in a natural skin crease whenever possible. The appearance of your incisions will continue to improve as healing progresses over the next 9-12 months.. You are only about 2 weeks after surgery.
+1

All Incisions Leave Scars

Your incisions appear to be healing appropriately at 7 days. During the early healing process, it is not unusual to have swelling and pinkness in and around incisions. These usually fade and become thin white lines. All surgical incisions leave scars. The goal is to place the incisions in inconspicuous areas and use good surgical technique to minimize the visibility of these incisions. Be patient and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

You might also like...

Real Stories

Definitely Worth It! - Vancouver, BC

I've always wanted to have rhinoplasty ever since I was a little girl. My nose is the...

Before + After Photos

View 3572 Rhinoplasty photos
+1

Appearance of Scars From Nostril Base Narrowing

While it is initially distressing to see the incision lines very early after surgery, do not confuse that appearance with what the final scar appearance will be . Almost all nostril base excisions turn into scars that are hardly noticeable later. This is a process that will take months and you will see that by the summer of next year the scar lines are unlikely to be of any concern.
+1

All incisions leave scars

Any incision placed in the skin will leave at least some degree of scarring. The ultimate visibility of the scar varies significantly depending on skin type, color, and character. However, the scars noted at 7 days will most likely fade significantly with time. As has been mentioned, sun block is important in preventing permanent discoloration of the scar.
+1

Any incision leaves permanent scars! But, they will fade.

Certainly you must have discussed with your surgeon the planned incisions and resultant permanent scars needed in order to achieve certain desired and requested changes in your nasal appearance. All incisions result in permanent scars, but the pinkness and puffiness you see now will resolve and fade over many months to a fine, nearly imperceptible scar that is skillfully hidden in normal anatomic creases. For now, avoid any ultraviolet exposure that could darken the scars... more
+1

Scar visibility post-rhinoplasty

The scar you see 7 days after stitches are removed, in the setting of postoperative swelling, is not the same scar you can expect when the area is fully healed. It is normal for scars to appear reddish or pink early in the healing course. I recommend using sun protection at all times while the scar is pink. This will help prevent hyperpigmentation of the scar, which would make it more obvious. I recommend using a silicone scar gel with sun protection (such as Biocorneum) twice daily while... more
+1

Scars at final appearance

Alar base incision scars usually heal very well. At one week they will look swollen and sometimes irregular. GIve it time.
+1

Will Incisions on the Side of the Nose Causes Permanent Scaring? (photo)

Agree with Dr Aldea. I ALWAYS tell my personal patients the risk of scarring with any external skin incision. If fact my informed consent from ASPS outlines these risks.
+1

Nostril Narrowing Scars are permanent

An unfortunate fat of surgery is that every incision results in a permanent scar. The sole exception being rare surgery done on fetuses in the mothers' wombs. You appear to have had nostril narrowing surgery with Weir excisions. The visible scars you see at one week after surgery will NOT be the scars you see at one year aftyer surgery. Although the scars will fade greatly and be very hard to see in most cases they will always be there.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok