Rhinoplasty: Q&A

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Unusually Thick Scarring Between the Skin and Cartilage 10 Months Post Op

I had an open septo/rhinoplasty 10 months ago (major work in a 3.5 hour surgery). My nose got unusually thick scarring between the skin and cartilage, which makes it appear puffy like it is still swollen. My surgeon (an ENT and plastic surgeon who has an excellent reputation) only wants to remove the slight hump in the middle of my nose, but worries too much about removing the scarring or messing with the skin. Is there anything that can be done to get rid of the uniformed internal scarring?

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cartilage scar 10 months post-op

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by scared nyc in New York, NY

Doctor Answers (8)
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Scar tissue and swelling after Rhinoplasty Surgery may benefit from triamcinolone (steroid) injections.

I read your concern and wish I had a photo demonstrating the appearance of your nose. My concern about additional surgery, is that this may worsen your swelling. Ask your surgeon if a steroid injection might be helpful. And certainly do not hesitate to get a second opinion from another reputable, certified rhinoplasty specialist. I hope this is helpful for you. Regards from NJ:

Eric M. Joseph, MD

204 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Unusually Thick Scarring Between the Skin and Cartilage 10 Months Post Op

I will have to assume that you have thick nasal tip skin and therefore excessive scarring. I have found aggressive thinning of thick skin is the only way to get a good skin draping over teh cartilages and get a refined tip. Postoperatively, steriod injections must be done to prevent scars.

Subcutaneous Scarring after Rhinoplasty

Your surgeon is correct when he shares his concern about removing subcutaneous scarring, However, this can be done. I suggest you get a second opinion from another experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

10 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

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Scarring between skin and cartilage after Rhinoplasty Surgery

Hi scared nyc, Scarring occurs with all plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty. Scar tissue forms between the skin and cartilage and any areas where incisions are located. Fortunately, scarring and scar tissue is minimal and unnoticeable in a majority of cases. Scar tissue, however, can be problematic contributing to undesired appearance, firm or stiff nose, and breathing problems. For example, scar tissue may form around the tip of the nose. Plastic surgeons may inject small... more

Rhinoplasty revision

Without a photo or face to face examination it is impossible to know what is really going on. The key statements in your post are major work and open septo/rhinoplasty. Open approaches to nasal surgery remain swollen for much longer than closed approaches especially if a major surgery is performed. You even say it looks like it is still swollen and that is probably because it is still swollen. There is not much you can do to make the swelling go away more quickly other than warm compresses... more

Thick scar after rhinoplasty

The thick scar over the bridge and over the tip of the nose may not be scar at all. Sometimes the hump reduction is large enough such that the skin cannot contract or shrink enough over the framework of the smaller nose. But even more commonly, the fullness is due to lack of support shaping the tip, or cartilage which is higher than the bridge at the nasal bone level. After ten months scar is usually not the top diagnosis of problems you might have, and the slight reduction your surgeon... more

Treatment for Swollen Nose after Rhinoplasty

Even if you have a good relationship with your current surgeon and are planning on continuing treatment with him I think it would be a good idea to get another opinion. There is art as well as science when it comes to surgery and different doctors may have varying opinions on how to address an issue such as yours. In my own practice I will use injectable steroids for persistent or exaggerated swelling of the supratip area. In cases with long standing thickening I have found it possible to... more

Nasal scarring

Without a photo or exam it is hard to tell. But, further surgery on your nose will causes additional swelling, and myu cause thinning of the skin.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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