What should be applied to columella incision on nose to help it heal faster after rhinoplasty?

Question

Ive been applying antibiotic ointment on my columella scar/incision area for a week since rhinoplasty, but ive been advised to stop using it. The stitch itself has been cut down but there’s still some small fragments of it remaining. What shall I apply to help the stitches dissolve faster? Is vitamin E oil okay?

Jeffrey T. Steitz, MD · Answer

Columellar incisions after rhinoplasty typically heal very well if they were closed properly.  Initially antibiotic ointment is helpful, but we generally recommend restriction of use for 3-5 days as some patients will develop a skin reaction.  After that, if dissolvable sutures are still present, typically vaseline is safe to use to keep the incision moist as it continues to heal.  
In order to make sure it heals very well, avoid excessive sun exposure to that area for at least the first 3 months.  Wear hats if possible or check with your surgeon regarding their recommendation on sunscreens to the nose and columella.  Sometimes silicone sheets can be helpful with smoothing out scars, but this usually isn't necessary for the columellar incision if it was closed well.
Vitamin E oil probably won't help the suture desolve as oil's typically get absorbed into the skin whereas an ointment like vaseline will prevent the suture from drying out which will help it dissolve.
As with any surgery, make sure you followup with your surgeon to optimize your result - and make sure you mention the suture, as these can usually be removed and not all of them are dissolvable.  Good luck!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

There are various options to improve post surgery scarring including:1- SkinOva- developed by an oculoplastic surgeon with growth factors, can help temper scars and improve appearance2- LASERS- Fractionated C02 laser resurfacing can blend scars and improve texture.  Pico lasers can help with persistent redness or discoloration3-Silicone based gels- Can help decrease the amount of elevation in scars and improve their appearance.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Lilly23, Every surgeon has different techniques and different protocol. You will need to refer to your surgeon for their post operative instructions. I personally give every patient my cell number so that any question can be answered and provide them peace of mind during their recovery period. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

What should be applied to columella incision on nose to help it heal faster after rhinoplasty?

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What should be applied to columella incision on nose to help it heal faster after rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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