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I had rhinoplasty 2 weeks ago and alar base reduction. What could this be?

One side of my nostril where stitches were is very hard and lumpy and getting worse, stitches were removed 8 days ago and no improvement, other side is completely smooth, what could this be?

Doctor Answers 3

Small healing problem

October 23rd, 2015
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You may have a little problem with the healing of the right alar wound. It would be best to check with your surgeon to rule out a possible infection (very rare in that area).
Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD
October 23rd, 2015

Small healing problem

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
You may have a little problem with the healing of the right alar wound. It would be best to check with your surgeon to rule out a possible infection (very rare in that area).
Ciro Adamo, PhD, MD

Why is my nostril scar lumpy after rhinoplasty?

October 23rd, 2015
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Dear Gracie

Many thanks for asking your question.

Your scar from your alar base reduction sounds like it is getting lumpy and becoming hypertrophic. This is something you should see your plastic surgeon about, as it may require some sort of intervention to get it to settle down.

Did you have any more inflammation on this side, or a mild infection? Both of these would explain why this side is different from the other side.

Treatment may include topical silicone gel or injections of steroid into the scar. However, you really need to arrange to see your plastic surgeon.

Good luck!

Web reference: http://marcpacifico.co.uk/treatments-procedures/face/rhinoplasty-(nose).aspx

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast)
October 23rd, 2015

Why is my nostril scar lumpy after rhinoplasty?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Dear Gracie

Many thanks for asking your question.

Your scar from your alar base reduction sounds like it is getting lumpy and becoming hypertrophic. This is something you should see your plastic surgeon about, as it may require some sort of intervention to get it to settle down.

Did you have any more inflammation on this side, or a mild infection? Both of these would explain why this side is different from the other side.

Treatment may include topical silicone gel or injections of steroid into the scar. However, you really need to arrange to see your plastic surgeon.

Good luck!

Learn more: http://marcpacifico.co.uk/treatments-procedures/face/rhinoplasty-(nose).aspx

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast)

Alar base reduction incision

October 22nd, 2015
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The firmness in this area may simply represent normal healing of the incision. As a wound heals it actually thickens and becomes firm for several weeks--gradually this improves until there is a mature incision line.

However, if the redness continues to worsen, or is coupled with increasing tenderness or drainage, you may have a small local infection developing. Additionally, there may be a deep suture under the skin that is irritated.

In any case, you should contact your surgeon for an examination and further instructions. Good luck!
Mark Been, MD

Mark Been, MD
Barrington Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

October 22nd, 2015

Alar base reduction incision

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The firmness in this area may simply represent normal healing of the incision. As a wound heals it actually thickens and becomes firm for several weeks--gradually this improves until there is a mature incision line.

However, if the redness continues to worsen, or is coupled with increasing tenderness or drainage, you may have a small local infection developing. Additionally, there may be a deep suture under the skin that is irritated.

In any case, you should contact your surgeon for an examination and further instructions. Good luck!
Mark Been, MD

Mark Been, MD
Barrington Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.