Laser resurfacing before or after Rhinoplasty?

Question

Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD · Answer

In my opinion, if the laser resurfacing will be aggressive, I will recommend first the rhinoplasty and wait for about 12 months and then do the laser resurfacing. A very aggressive laser resurfacing may create a thinner skin envelope on the nose and a surgery can have a little more risk for complications.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kaygee16,
laser resurfacing can be used before or after rhinoplasty.
In case you use it before rhinoplasty it can help increase the blood vessels of the skin which can be helpful in wound healing. In case you use laser after rhinoplasty you should make sure that the wound is fully healed because if it is not laser can disrupt the healing process.  
But you should visit a board-certified plastic surgeon to get more details. 
Dr. Daniel Barrett

Daniel J. Givens, MD · Answer

I would recommend my patients wait on laser resurfacing until after rhinoplasty for two reasons:First, some types of laser resurfacing cause some coagulation of the skin, which could theoretically compromise healing of the skin and soft tissue envelope during rhinoplasty recovery.Second, laser resurfacing may be used to further camouflage the columellar incision (which typically heals quite nicely).  After rhinoplasty, some degree of acne flare can be expected if your skin is prone to this, due to the glue and splint placed on the skin at the conclusion of the procedure.  Laser may help to even the pore size and texture after this resolves.Of course, consult with your facial plastic surgeon to provide you with actual medical advice, as this post is no substitute.Best Wishes

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's probably best to separate the two procedures by at least a few months, so as not to compromise the healing process for each procedure. It probably doesn't matter which procedure comes first, but just remember that it takes a full year for the swelling from a rhinoplasty to subside.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I believe that you should have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in both procedures to determine the best approach in your case. You also want to ensure that your skin is prepared for the laser procedure with proper skin care before the laser procedure for at least 6-8 weeks to control pigment and prevent scarring.

Laser resurfacing before or after Rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty

Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty

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Laser resurfacing before or after Rhinoplasty?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty

Answer: Laser resurfacing before or after rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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