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Reducing or Eliminating Nostril Scar After Rhinoplasty?

asked 3 years ago by Tigerfan7777 in Baton Rouge, LA
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 2,419 times

I had Rhinoplasty about 10 weeks ago, and one of my nostrils was reduced as part of the surgery. I like my nose, but hate my nostril scar. I really wish my doctor would have told me how hideous the scar was going to be, so I could have told him to leave my nostril alone. Sadly, what is done is done, and it's permanent. Can anything be done to PERMANENTLY reduce or eliminate the nostril scar?

4 answers to Reducing or Eliminating Nostril Scar After Rhinoplasty?

+2

Yes it is possible.

 It depends on why the nostril looks bad. If there is a step, it can be redone. If the line is the problem, there are several ways to handle this. You should wait at least 6 months to see if it will look better, unless there is a step problem. A step means the 2 sides don't come together at the same level.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

Scar can be camouflaged

Nothing can be permanently done to remove a scar. There are multiple techniques that can camouflage a scar such as cortisone injections, dermabrasion. It is important to make sure that the scar is well healed and not causing any other issues. Occasionally, an unsightly scar can be surgically excised, removed, and placed in a better anatomical position.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+2

Scar Revision is possible but...

... nobody can promise that the scars will heal significantly better. In addition, every time the scar is revised, the nostril will become a tiny bit smaller which may limit the procedure in the first place. You should wait at least 6 to 9 months before making any final decisions about further procedures. Although other procedures are used for facial scars, they may have limited efficacy for scars after alar base reduction.
Frank P. Fechner, MD

Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

+2

It may be possible to improve the scar

I'm sure you're very frustrated right now with the level of healing of your nostril scar. There should be some reason for reassurance because, when it comes to scars, time is on your side. It will probably improve somewhat just with passage of time alone. There are some things that can be done to improve healing now and later on if you're still unhappy with it. When it comes to nostril scars, we need to differentiate if the problem is just a poor scar or if too much tissue has been removed.... more
Jason Litner, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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