What can I do to prevent alarplasty scars from getting worse two months post op? The base of the incision seems to be irritated.

Question

My surgeon performed an alarplasty along with my Rhinoplasty without telling me prior to surgery. I didn't even know what an alarplasty was until the day AFTER my surgery. Had I known what it was I wouldn't have had it done because I didn't have necessarily wide nostrils to begin with. Now I'm noticing my left nostril base incision area looks red and raised. It doesn't burn or anything but I'm scared it's going to get worse. What can I do?

Jeffrey T. Steitz, MD · Answer

Scars from alar base reductions can be difficult to manage if they are not healing properly.  The absolute best thing that you can do to optimize your result is to continue to followup with your surgeon who can provide in person examinations and advice.  Silicone sheeting can be helpful to improve scars as they heal though they can be tricky to keep over the incisions from an alar base reduction.  Scar massage can also be adopted but I would recommend against it until you discuss with your surgeon.  
Good luck with your recovery!

What can I do to prevent alarplasty scars from getting worse two months post op? The base of the incision seems to be irritated.

Answers (1)