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Rhinoplasty scar tissue? How do I massage it?

I had surgery in August. 6 months later I have scar tissue inside my nose and under the bridge, the bridge tissue has caused a lump. My doc recommended massage. How do I do this? In one direction? Circular rub? Please help.

Doctor Answers 7

Scar issue

December 4th, 2015
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Massage may or may not help.  Usually time is the critical factor.  Sometimes scar revision is beneficial.

Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/procedures/rhinoplasty-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD
December 4th, 2015

Scar issue

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Massage may or may not help.  Usually time is the critical factor.  Sometimes scar revision is beneficial.

Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/procedures/rhinoplasty-new-york/

Steven Wallach, MD

Rhinoplasty scar tissue

December 3rd, 2015
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In my practice, massaging usually does not take care of this.  Time does a lot, and steroid injections in my hand do a lot as well.  Be sure to discuss with your own surgeon about how this applies to you, and whether they have any special concerns in your case.
Reza Momeni, MD FACS
December 3rd, 2015

Rhinoplasty scar tissue

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In my practice, massaging usually does not take care of this.  Time does a lot, and steroid injections in my hand do a lot as well.  Be sure to discuss with your own surgeon about how this applies to you, and whether they have any special concerns in your case.
Reza Momeni, MD FACS

Massaging the nose

December 3rd, 2015
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It is important to use a small amount of moisturizer.  Then use your thumb and finger as if you're pinching the nose and gently keep squeezing and rubbing in a circular motion.  After that use your fingers to push from the center towards the cheeks.

Regards

Dr. J

Web reference: http://janjuafacialsurgery.com/rhinoplasty/

Tanveer Janjua, MD
December 3rd, 2015

Massaging the nose

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
It is important to use a small amount of moisturizer.  Then use your thumb and finger as if you're pinching the nose and gently keep squeezing and rubbing in a circular motion.  After that use your fingers to push from the center towards the cheeks.

Regards

Dr. J

Learn more: http://janjuafacialsurgery.com/rhinoplasty/

Tanveer Janjua, MD

Massage for scarring

December 3rd, 2015
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Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about the scarring. Fortunately, your doctor is right and massage can help. I recommend applying firm pressure, using your thumb usually, in a circular motion. How long to do it? For instance, if you're stuck in traffic, do it during a red light. Or if you're watching TV, do it during commercials (not that any of us really watch commercials anymore).  You should do it firmly enough so that it's a bit uncomfortable. You can do it as often as you think about it. Good luck! I hope this helps.
Robert S. Schmidt, MD

Robert S. Schmidt, MD
College Station Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

December 3rd, 2015

Massage for scarring

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about the scarring. Fortunately, your doctor is right and massage can help. I recommend applying firm pressure, using your thumb usually, in a circular motion. How long to do it? For instance, if you're stuck in traffic, do it during a red light. Or if you're watching TV, do it during commercials (not that any of us really watch commercials anymore).  You should do it firmly enough so that it's a bit uncomfortable. You can do it as often as you think about it. Good luck! I hope this helps.
Robert S. Schmidt, MD

Robert S. Schmidt, MD
College Station Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

Massage can help

November 2nd, 2016
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Massage helps break down scar tissue through cross-fiber friction and can be very helpful. However the direction and firmness of massage varies significantly depending on the area and goal. You really would be best served to visit your surgeon to clarify, or even call, and they will be able to direct you specifically. Good luck with your recovery!

Jeffrey Watson, MD

Jeffrey Watson, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

November 2nd, 2016

Massage can help

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Massage helps break down scar tissue through cross-fiber friction and can be very helpful. However the direction and firmness of massage varies significantly depending on the area and goal. You really would be best served to visit your surgeon to clarify, or even call, and they will be able to direct you specifically. Good luck with your recovery!

Jeffrey Watson, MD

Jeffrey Watson, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

Scar tissue after Rhinoplasty

December 9th, 2015
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I would ask the doctor's office how they would like you to do it. They may be wanting to relax the tissue in a certain direction. Sometimes a steroid injection may be helpful to melt the scar tissue. You may want to ask your surgeon if that may help your case.
Brian Maloney, MD, FACS
December 9th, 2015

Scar tissue after Rhinoplasty

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I would ask the doctor's office how they would like you to do it. They may be wanting to relax the tissue in a certain direction. Sometimes a steroid injection may be helpful to melt the scar tissue. You may want to ask your surgeon if that may help your case.
Brian Maloney, MD, FACS

Scar massage following a rhinoplasty

December 3rd, 2015
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Time and manual massage or the scar for the next 6 months may be useful.  Give it some time and it will improve. 
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
December 3rd, 2015

Scar massage following a rhinoplasty

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Time and manual massage or the scar for the next 6 months may be useful.  Give it some time and it will improve. 
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.