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Scar Tissue Removal After 3rd Rhinoplasty. How to Tell if it is Swelling or Scar Tissue?

My surgeon removed scar tissue near the tip on the right side of my nose and did a right side osteotomy to push the bone in. After the splint came off, my nose looked absolutely excellent. There was great symmetry, the bone was straight and narrow, everything was great. The first two days after the cast was removed, I was very happy. From the third day (today it has been 2.5 weeks since surgery), the swelling got really bad. How can I distinguish between swelling and scar tissue?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by bqureshi21 in Buffalo, NY

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Swelling versus scar tissue from a rhinoplasty

Swelling typically is more acute in nature occurring within the first two weeks of surgery. Scar tissue typically takes two to three weeks to develop. It sounds as if you may be in the grey area at this time so it would be difficult to give you a precise answer. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions accordingly. I am not sure if taping might help or not but you can ask your surgeon as well. Good luck.

Scott Trimas, MD

3 reviews

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facesonly.com

Distinguishing Swelling From Scar Tissue

Hello, As a simple answer, scar tissue take some time to develop whereas swelling develops quickly and will subside as such relatively. I advise you to be patient and to follow your surgeon's instructions, control your daily intake of salt, your exercise and protect your nose pretty well from any trauma. Soon, swelling will subside as it is normal to develop it after the removal of the splints. I recommend that you keep your surgeon in the loop of your progress. I hope... more

Scar Tissue Removal After 3rd Rhinoplasty. How to Tell if it is Swelling or Scar Tissue?

It is still too early to know what your final result will be. Since you have been through this before you know very well that surgical swelling can take up to one year to go a way, but you will likely see most of that decrease within the first 6-8 weeks. Keep in mind that the splint does compress the skin and help decrease the swelling during that first week. When the splint first comes off it will look its' best and then the swelling begins. Just be patient. Give this time to settle down.... more

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Scarring takes time to develop while localized edema (swelling) from surgery is usually acute and may resolve after several days to weeks, or longer.

Swelling After Revision Rhinoplasty

It is very common to have swelling after Revision Rhinoplasty especially after the third time. There is a saying the "nose remembers" and in patients with trauma or multiple surgeries you will often see more post operative swelling. The splint helped in the beginning to keep the swelling in tact and after removal it is common to see more swelling. Keep away from foods with high salt content, exercise, excessive heat exposure, and sleep elevated with a few pillows behind you. All... more

Michael Elam, MD

87 reviews

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

michaelelammd.com

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