When do external alarplasty scars heal?

Question

Alarplasty 3 months post op and it hasn't healed completely. Are laser treatments required?

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. At three months, the incisions should be healed. If this is not the case, you should check in with your surgeon. Sometimes a deep suture will not dissolve completely and you may get a little persistent irritation. In terms of maturing of the scar, this may take up to 6 months. In my practice, we will use some non-ablative laser treatments to help it blend in as needed. Take care!

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

It takes all surgical wounds 6-12 months to completely heal. Most incisions go through an inflammatory phase of healing at 6-10 weeks where they look more red and raised. After this time they gradually become less red and flatter. Use of silicone scar gel or Mederma can be helpful. If for some reason the incisions do not look as good as I expect them to, I will resurface them at around 12 months (sometimes sooner) if a patient's skin type is acceptable (low risk) for that procedure.  That is rarely necessary, however. Good luck.

Gregory D. Roberts, MD · Answer

Jessi0104...because of the oily nature of the nasal skin in that area it can take longer for the scars to settle down (and they may be bumpy) until the scars have matured.  However, because of the oily nature of the skin in this area, if the incisions are placed appropriately, they usually heal with minimal evidence of scarring.  Best wishes, Dr. Roberts

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

These incisions are often affected by their shape, design and location and closure. They generally heal quickly. They can be a little red in the first 1-2 months. Have your surgeon look at it. It is hard to comment on what you need without looking at it. A consultation is very helpful to give you specific recommendations.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

First of all, what do you mean that your incisions have not healed.  At 3 months post-op the incisions should be closed and slightly pink (easily camouflaged with makeup).  If this is not the case, please see your PS.

When do external alarplasty scars heal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: External Alarplasty incisions

Answer: External Alarplasty incisions

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.

When do external alarplasty scars heal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: External Alarplasty incisions

Answer: External Alarplasty incisions

Browse related questions

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.