What can I do to reduce scar tissue after an open rhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

What can be done about scar tissue? I have some thick scar tissue on the left side of my nose that sticks out and I really hate it. I can feel that it’s where my nose was cut inside as I had an open rhinoplasty. What options can I do to help reduce this scar tissue bump or remove it?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Gregory S. Dibelius, MD · Answer

Hi,
It would be worthwhile to know how long it has been since surgery. In the initial healing period scar tissue forms and there is a significant interplay between scar formation and transient swelling. We deal with the swelling and early scar tissue primarily with kenalog injections, but also with things such as taping, nasal massage/exercise, diet modification, behavior modification, medical management of infection. If surgery was a while ago and the initial healing/scar phase is completed, then it becomes more likely that a revision surgery may be needed to correct this. It may be still worthwhile to try a kenalog injection if you haven't already though. Make sure you speak to a qualified, board-certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon to help you sort this out. I hope this helps - good luck!

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

Hello yes you have a small and thick scars but I suggest do not to touch them for not to have a worth scar

William C. Harris, MD · Answer

Hi,
Scar tissue can be treated in a couple different ways following rhinoplasty. Depending on how far out you are from surgery, steroid injections offer a great non-surgical way to decrease fullness as well as prevent more scar tissue from forming in the area. Depending on the cause of the fullness you are feeling or seeing, the other option is revision surgery to help correct this area. Often times, time will also serve as a good solution for scar tissue softening and lessening in terms of appearance and palpation. I hope this helps and let me know if I can assist you with this issue in any way. Best, Dr. Harris

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photo, I note a surgical scar of your left nasal alar wing. There is surrounding redness, suggesting irritation.
It is of importance to know how long it has been since your procedure. If less than a year, the scar is not yet mature and still may undergo flattening. As a scar matures, it loses its reddish color. Because of the irritation, I cannot determine the maturity of the scar. The feeling of scar tissue in your nostril with digital nasal manipulation is normal as the incision extended full thickness into your nasal cavity.
There will always be an external scar as it was the incision used during the procedure. If favorable, it will not be reddened, thickened, cast shadows upon oblique lighting, or cake makeup. If unfavorable and over one year since surgery, you may consider scar revision with the possibility of improvement. 15% of cosmetic surgeries require secondary touch-up to achieve an optimal result.
Revisit your plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

What can I do to reduce scar tissue after an open rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (5)

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