What are my options for scar removal from the nostril 1 year post rhinoplasty? (photos)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty a year ago and was left with a visible scar on my left nostril. My surgeon suggested surgical removal by cutting 1mm on each side of the scar and then stiching it back together. However, that would make my already asymetrical nostrils even worse. And since the left nostril is already smaller, breathing could be a lot worse. Is there any other way of fixing the problem??

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am seldom recommend surgical scar revisions in areas such to static tension since the risk for the development of postsurgical stretch scars and tram track stitch marks is significant and can often be more unsightly than the original scar that was treated. Subcision, which I have been performing since 1995, is a simple, relatively inexpensive procedure for elevating and smoothing all kinds of depressed scars, including those post-surgery, that has a several decades long proven record of safety and efficacy and engenders little to no significant downtime. As a final "polishing" step following elevating the depression in this fashion, professionally performed manual Dermastamp microneedling (no need for the extra expense and risks of added RF)  can be used to better blend in both color and texture the treated area with the surrounding normal tissue. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

What are my options for scar removal from the nostril 1 year post rhinoplasty? (photos)

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