Visible scar after alar base reduction. Can the scar be removed? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I just got alar base reduction a week ago, and noticed that there's a major scar on the right side of my nostril. By the looks of it, it seems as though there's a piece of skin missing or something. I'm worried that it'll become an ugly scar. Will it fade over time, or will I always have an ugly scar. If so, would I be able to fix it in the future? I don't think a revision alar base is necessary because my nostrils are small enough, but can the scar be removed? Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.The harmony between facial parts makes us instinctively recognize the beauty... without knowing it, without defining it, just a perception that surprises and captivates us.In this regard, I suggest perform a Closed Rhinoplasty (without visible scars) to treat the tip, base and nasal bridge.With this procedure you get a delicate nose, better harmonize with your other facial features.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You will need to heal first to determine what the scar looks like. Sometimes it can be a pleasant surprise. Be patient. Best of luck!

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A scar takes a few months to mature so give it a little more time. It is not unusual for scars to be red for up to 2 months after surgery. If it does not look good after 6-12 months then there are options to remove it (lasers, dermabrasion, scar revisions etc).

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

It is really too soon to judge your results. Scars fade with time. At only a week post op, you are literally in the infancy of your healing process. Follow your surgeon's post op protocol to the letter and all should be fine.Kindly,Kouros Azar

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

I would suggest that you speak with your surgeon regarding your concern with your incisions as he she knows best where you are in the healing process. With that said, you are in the early stages of healing so time is on your side. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Visible scar after alar base reduction. Can the scar be removed? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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