Alar Base Reduction Scar, Laser Treatment?

Question

I'm 2 months post-op. There's redness and a few visible holes in the scars along the creases of my nose (I had to pull out 2 or 3 stitches myself at 1 month post-op because the nurse had overlooked them, which might've caused trauma to the tissue). I've heard laser treatment can help the redness and even out the skin. My question is, if left untreated, will the redness and dents eventually go away on their own? Will laser treatment actually improve the final result or just expedite the process?

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Laser treatment to facial scars can make a significant improvement to the redness, firmness, or contour to alar base incisions. However, you are correct that you will see improvement over the next 2-4 months as your body remodels the scar tissue. We discourage patients from interrupting the healing process until at least nine months after surgery at which time 90% are quite pleased with the result. However, keep in touch with your surgeon to examine the wound to make sure things are going in the right direction.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

As time goes by and you continue to recover, the redness will naturally fade on its own. In general, a laser treatment may be an option when you are further along in the healing process. I would recommend visiting your surgeon and seeing what he or she recommends. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck with the remainder of your recovery.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

You are absolutely right. Laser treatments can imporve the results of your scars more quickly but with time they should heal just fine on there own. Often a vascular laser is used to improve the redness while CO2 laser or dermabrasion is used to smooth the scars. I would suggest waiting for 6 months before pursuing either of these modalities.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The redness and irregularities will usually fade and soften over time on their own, but there are a few treatments that can expedite the road to recovery.  Treatment with a pulsed-dye laser will help to reduce the redness more quickly, while treatment with a fractional resurfacing laser can help to reduce the irregularities.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually the redness from alar base reductions will improve with time. Lasers can help facilitate it, but they are often not necessary.

Alar Base Reduction Scar, Laser Treatment?

Answers (6)

Answer: PDL (pulsed-dye laser) V-beam to reduce redness

Answer: PDL (pulsed-dye laser) V-beam to reduce redness

Answer: Redness of alar base scars

Answer: Redness of alar base scars

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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Alar Base Reduction Scar, Laser Treatment?

Answers (6)

Answer: PDL (pulsed-dye laser) V-beam to reduce redness

Answer: PDL (pulsed-dye laser) V-beam to reduce redness

Answer: Redness of alar base scars

Answer: Redness of alar base scars

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.