How Visible Will Rhinoplasty Scars Be?

The Open approach to rhinoplasty is a wonderful way for the Facial Plastic surgeon to gain exposure to the nasal anatomy.  It is the approach I prefer to use most often.  You may be concerned about the scar left after open rhinoplasty, however there is nothing to worry about.

With proper closer of the incision, no one will ever see the scar as it heals beautifully.  We have not yet needed to revise a scar in this location.

I have included a short video to show how the incision is closed.

I hope this helps make your decision easier.  I don't think you will regret your open rhinoplasty.

Scarring after open rhinoplasty will fade gradually. In general, it takes a month for the scars to vanish but in some cases, complete healing might take around 3-6 months. Its speed depends on your skin thickness and color, the extent of your incisions, and your age. In your case, since you are a young patient your skin will heal faster than an older patient. Good luck with your surgery.

Great question. I tell all of my patients that the incision we make on the columella, or the center of your nose when you are looking at it from the worm's eye view, is nearly invisible once healed for almost every patient. Even when not completely invisible, it is very hard to see for the remainder of patients and I have never had a patient complain about it. By 2-3 weeks out it typically is already very subtle if good technique was used.

However, if there is a plan to make an incision anywhere else, such as the alar crease, the nostril sill, etc. that is different. Those scars are a bit less predictable and sometimes scar more visibly, so proceed with caution if you are thinking about having something done there. Hope that helps!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group