Alarplasty complication. How long before this closes? (Photo)

Question

Had alarplasty using ear cartilage in March this year. Dr. noticed open wound after 3 weeks (he used dissolvable stiche and removed them around 19 days). Is this a skin necrosis, and what causes it? I was prescribed Duricef 500 for 5 days (2x daily, for a total of 10 pills), and have been applying prescription mupirocin. How long before this closes? Will it leave an ugly scar, and if so, can the scar be "softened" surgically?

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

I am not certain what kind of procedure you had that would result in dehiscence and infection of the wound on the nose where it has occurred.  I would suggest continuing to apply the antibiotic ointment to the area to help prevent scarring.  I would also ask if there was foreign material placed in the nose during surgery which may have lead to this particular complication and if so, it should be removed immediately.

Alarplasty complication. How long before this closes? (Photo)

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