6 weeks post-op Rhinoplasty, will this indented scar be permanent? (photo)

Question

I am 6 weeks post op and my open rhinoplasty scar is indented. Is this due to swelling or will it stay like this? Will it fill up once it heals?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.

Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After 6 weeks you are still going to have swelling. This may be from swelling from the tip of the nose. Give it some time to examine when most swelling goes down. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic SurgeryHoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and helpful photo. You are still very early in the healing process. Please be patient and allow your skin and tissues to relax a bit. More than likely the dent will fill out with time. Best wishes,

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The indentation at the scar may be from persistent swelling of your tip and infratip lobule, which may be expected six weeks postoperative. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

As several doctors have mentioned, healing takes time.Discuss with your surgeon and see if there is anything you can do if the contour irregularity does persist.  Often filler can reduce the appearance of these postoperative issues until they resolve on their own.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I recommend that you return to your surgeon and share your concerns.  It depends on what technique was used by your surgeon during your surgery.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photo.  Since it is early it may be that with further swelling resolution the indentation will smooth out.  At six weeks the collagen contraction of the incision is also near its peak so with more time relaxation of the incision will occur.  Give it plenty of time, if the problem persists , and even now, a little dermal filler may help push the scar indentation out to smooth things.Good luck with the remainder of your healing.Dr Remus Repta

S. Randolph Waldman, MD · Answer

I have now performed over 2000 external Rhinoplasties and can count on one hand the columellar scars that we have had to touch up.  So yes I believe you should be fine once all of the swelling has resolved..

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is too early in the healing process. Many times it is  just swelling and you have to be patient with the results.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Recovering from rhinoplasty is a healing process. Part of that process is waiting for swelling to go down. Swelling is what makes your nose look uneven if one side goes down and the other does not. The last area where swelling can hang around in the tip of the nose. This can potentially make the scar more visible. It's important to design the incision carefully. In addition, I take extra time to close the incision using very small stitches. The first step is to be patient and wait for the swelling to go away. This may take months. If the scar is still prominent there are options available including resurfacing (dermabrasion) or scar revision. I would talk to your surgeon so they will keep you on track for a happier and safe result. Safety comes first.

6 weeks post-op Rhinoplasty, will this indented scar be permanent? (photo)

Answers (16)

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