Columella is red and irritated. How do I know when to ask my doctor for help? (Photo)

Hello.  Columellar incision may appear red and swollen in the first postoperative week.  This is not too common if the closure is done carefully, but everyone heals differently.  Proper wound care is critical to a good outcome and includes keeping the wound clean and covered with ointment.  Most surgeons see their open rhinoplasty patients several times in the first week to remove the sutures, assess healing and remove cast,etc.  These are opportunities for your surgeon to examine your healing.  If you are still having these signs after 1 week, you should call your surgeon and have him or her examine.  Good luck.

We do not recommend any topical treatment for columellar incisions after rhinoplasty. Your photo is difficult to evaluate. If you're one week postoperative and have concerns, you should feel comfortable having them addressed by your surgeon now or anytime. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Hello Pianistfriend,If you ever have a question about when to know when to ask your doctor for help, I would recommend you ask your doctor for help.  You underwent a procedure with him or her and should feel comfortable having your concerns addressed.  Most of the time it is simple reassurance that we can provide.  If your stitches were just removed it often does look a little irritated.  But if you are concerned, call your doctor to be evaluated and see if there is anything he or she recommends.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

Often the columella incision heals very well.   At one week it is too early to tell the long term result. Any questions should be addressed by your surgeon.

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of the nose for breathing or appearance.In an open or external approach, there is an incision across the band of skin between your nostrils. This is called your columella. Luckily, this area heals well. During surgery, I meticulously close this area. It's worth the extra time to make it less visible. There are some strategies to help it heal. It's important to make sure the incision does not dry out. At the beginning you can use antibiotic ointment (bacitracin). After a week, I switch my patients to an ointment without antibiotics in it. Sun protection is also important for scars to heal well. Keep your follow-up appointments with your surgeon so she/he can keep you on track for safe and happy result. Safety comes first.