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What Can I Do to Prevent Columella Scarring After Rhinoplasty?

asked 3 years ago by joyceline in Manila
Latest answer by Rodger Wade Pielet, MD
Question viewed 2,646 times
Tags: nose, scar

12 answers to What Can I Do to Prevent Columella Scarring After Rhinoplasty?

Choose a surgeon who does his job well.

I did one of the first open rhinoplasties in the US more than 30 years ago. Then, the criticism was making a scar in the columella. That is the easiest part of rhinoplasty. If the surgeon can't make a almost non detectable scar, he should not be doing rhinoplasties. Choose an experienced rhinoplastic surgeon and you won't have that problem.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Usually heal wonderfully without intervention

Columella scars usually heal very well with little post-operative care. The surgeon has to be careful with the dissection and closure. You should not worry about what you have to be doing.

Kari L. Colen, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Columella scars heal very well after Rhinoplasty.

I don't recommend any special care for the columella incision associated with open-rhinoplasty. They heal practically invisibly in everybody, so don't worry about this. Best regards.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

I assume you are talking about an "open rhinoplasty" scar

The columellar scar used to be a concern about the open rhinoplasty. Over the last 15-20 years, that concern has been put to rest as the scar is rarely ever visible when crafted by an experienced surgeon. Usually, scar massage and other manipulations are not needed to have an exellent and invisible result.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

A few options for columellar scarring.

Yo may want to consider silicone gel. Avoid sun exposure to the area. I am not a big fan of Mederma. Some advise taping of the scar but this can be inconvenient. Gentle topical massage/pressure may also be beneficial. As always discuss this with your surgeon prior to implementation as they may have strong feelings one way or the other.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Healing scar

The best advice is do nothing. If the closure was done with good alinement it will heal into a fine scar difficult to find. There also maybe tip grafts that you do not want to move or dislodge. Let mother nature do her thing!

Rodger Wade Pielet, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Columellar Scarring

I assume you are talking about the inverted 'V' shaped incision on the columella which is used for approach in open rhinoplasty technique. If that is correct, you don't have to do much. Those incisions heal very well. However, an infection or suboptimal closure of the wound can lead to scarring. If you see signs of any infection, such as redness, yellow drainage, pain on touching or fever, report to your physician immediately. In terms of good closure, you should be able to tell right away... more

Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Columella scar after rhinoplasty

Columella scars after an open rhinoplasty usually heals very well. Some use stair-step incisions, chevron incisions, and even straight across incisions. I think that all do well for the most part.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Must use good plastic surgical technique with a columellar incision

It is extremely rare to have a poor scar in the columellar region. Some skill is required in placing the incision in the correct position as well as taking care not to injury this delicate tissue. Using the correct plastic surgical technique will usually ensure a satisfactory scar.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Don't worry about the scars

People spend an extraordinary about of time worrying about scaring and healing. The focus should really be on the final results instead of micromanaging your care. Leave that up to your surgeon. They don't want you to have a bad scar either, so they are going to do everything possible to help you have the best outcome. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Trust Your Rhinoplasty Surgeon

If you have an open rhinoplasty with an incision across the columella, this scar heals usually very well. Why? Because it is in a favorable place AND your experienced rhinoplasty surgeon will take special care with closure of the incision to avoid any aesthetically bothersome scar. There are many things you could do for the scars but it may not change much of the overall outcome.

Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

Follow the advice of your Doctor

Having your surgeon use the best technique is vital to a great result and his skill will determine the amount of scarring that will take place. Along your incisions, you should always have the them covered with vaseline and I would avoid antibacterial ointment to avoid contact dermatitis that is very common after surgery. Hydrogen peroxide can be used judiciously and with the guidance of your physician, but when used without careful regard, this agent can increase scarring. Your incisions... more