Is this swelling or scar tissue? Is there a way to safely remove scar tissue? (Photo)

Question

My right nostril I can breathe through pretty well, but my left nostril as you can see. Instead of a "black" inside you see a lot of this swelling or scar tissue? It pretty much takes up most of the space inside my left nostril. My surgeon said this is due to swelling and should reduce, but I'm 6 months out and I'm concerned that this will remain as scar tissue and I'll just have blocked breathing in that nostril. Thoughts? Is there a way to safely remove scar tissue?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say for sure simply from the photo, but persistent swelling six months following a surgical procedure suggests a chronic underlying problem or the development of exuberant scar tissue. You might discuss with your surgeon the use of an injection of intralesional triamcinolone, which would likely benefit either of these situations, although treating a scar would likely require a higher concentration of injectable to shrink the area. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Is this swelling or scar tissue? Is there a way to safely remove scar tissue? (Photo)

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Is this swelling or scar tissue? Is there a way to safely remove scar tissue? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.