Do I need a revision alar base reduction OR simply scar revision surgery? (Photo)

Question

I have had two nose jobs. The first wasn't defined enough and left me with scars. The surgeon then carried out a second operation and even though the scars have improved, I am still so unhappy with the scars as I have lost the natural curve on both sides. I wondered if scar revision could correct this at all? (as you will see, I am african american)

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your limited photos, you appear to have raised scars where your nostrils meet your face on both sides. You may consider asking your rhinoplasty surgeon if you might benefit from dilute steroid injections to try to flatten these areas.Hope this helps you.Dr. Joseph

Minas Constantinides, MD · Answer

Scars after rhinoplasty are rare, but scars after alar base reductions are not. Because the skin around the base of the nose lacks support (only fat beneath it), incisions in the wrong place or closed under tension will always result in an unacceptable scar. Fortunately, this skin does not keloid, but scars can still widen or become depressed, resulting in unnatural shadows and breaks of normal alar contour. In your case, according to the photos, it appears that your right scar was placed too high on the ala, so now you have a funny shadow where one doesn't belong. On the right, the scar was taken too high into the alar crease, so again you have distortion in the area. Both scars are very difficult to correct. I would recommend that you consult once again with your surgeon. If he is unable to provide additional improvement, then have a second consultation with a rhinoplasty surgeon experienced in alar base reductions. The right answer to your question, scar revision vs. another alar base reduction, is best answered after a personal examination by a skilled revision rhinoplasty surgeon.

Do I need a revision alar base reduction OR simply scar revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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