Raised incision scar - what is going on with my nose?

Question

Hi. I been noticing something off with my columella. My tip in general. My surgeon checked it out and said it looks good but the scar where the insicion looks a bit raised. Instructed me to massage and I been but dont see ANY different. Whats going on with my nose?!!!!!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Raised or thickened scars can occur as part of the normal healing process after surgery. Massaging the scar as instructed by your surgeon is a common approach to help soften and flatten the scar tissue. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions and give the scar more time to heal and mature, as scar improvement can be a gradual process.

If you have followed your surgeon's instructions for scar massage and have not noticed any significant changes, it may be helpful to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. They will be able to assess the scar and provide you with a more accurate evaluation. They may also offer additional recommendations or interventions if necessary, such as corticosteroid injections or other scar management techniques.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It is hard to see from the pictures provided. It appears that everything is healing fine. This also depends on how far you are from the surgery day.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your enquiry and sharing your photographs.
It is somewhat difficult to see in these images, but this could be either swelling which takes longer to settle or there may be a slight mismatch in the alignment of the skin.

Sometimes, swelling in the skin flap can take longer to settle down and massage can be of help.

Approximately one year from surgery, if the problem has not settled, it would be worthwhile discussing with your surgeon whether a local anaesthetic revision could be of benefit.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello Idibz990! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Shah Facial Plastics. This is a great question. I recommend treating the area of concern with a CO2 laser for resurfacing. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Ruslan Zhuravsky, DO · Answer

Hi, from the photo it appears the upper part of the incision is higher than the lower, creating a step off. It's important to consider how far out from surgery you are. It is possible to get minor irregularity in the weeks / few months following surgery as swelling subsides. However, it is also possible that some scar tissue is developing at the upper edge, or the skin is misaligned. It is also possible to have cartialge irregularities or grafts that can create issues. Massaging may help in cases of scar tissue or inflammation, but if that doesn't help a scar revision might be necessary.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best regards!

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A scar in an open rhinoplasty is usually unnoticeable massage or silicone gel might help. It is better for you to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the surgical procedure and the post op recovery process.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Sometimes a columella scar doesn't heal perfectly and a raised area may ensue. If this is in fact the case, light electrodesication of the raised area may be performed with local anesthetic in the office and minimal inconvenience. I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry but the photos are too far away to tell. Always best to follow your surgeons advice and if still concerned get a second opinion in person. This requires an evaluation in the office. Raised scars with skin edge eversion are usually a good thing as scars flatten with time.

Best wishes,
Thomas Walker, MD, FACS
WalkerMD
470-900-3223
@drthomaswalker

Best wishes,
Thomas Walker, MD, FACS
WalkerMD
470-900-3223
@drthomaswalker

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. The raised columella scar is most likely because of swelling in the upper part, which was the one opened and raised during the open rhinoplasty procedure, in contrast to the lower part which was kept in place. Fortunately, with time, it should even out. Please continue to massage and follow up with your surgeon. All the best!

Raised incision scar - what is going on with my nose?

Answers (14)

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