1 week post op of Rhinoplasty, there is a gap in the right nostril where the stitches were. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

Hello, i had tip rhinoplasty ( closed rhino ) with a little alar base reduction for nostrils, im a week post op and i had my cast and stitches removed yesterday, i want to ask about the remnants of alar base reduction stitches? I feel there is a gap in the right nostril where the stitches were, will it heal properly or i will need a new stitch to gather the two sides? Thank you

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Naad991,Thanks for your question.Actually that amount of gapping is not normal.  Especially when compared to your left side which looks fine.  I would go see your surgeon and see if the placement of an absorbable suture might improve the long term cosmetic outcome.  I've seen this happen before and each time I had to go back at one year postop to revise the slightly gapped scar as it seemed more noticeable.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The only thing you can do in this situation is to get an answer from your surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Naad991,You are very smart to bring this upYou see your surgeon who can freshen the edges and sew them back togetherThis will help avoid a wider scar in the futureBest,Nima Shemirani

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If the edge of your nostril-narrowing incision opened after suture removal, your surgeon may wish to examine you and replace the suture, if necessary.Hope this helps you.Dr. Joseph

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS · Answer

Due to a variety of factors including, high wound tension, inadequate closure strength or poor edge alignment, a gap or step deformity may occur along the alar base reshaping site.  An open wound can be managed early in the postop period (1-2 wks) Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC, FACS.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

This appears to  the normal small amount of scabbing we often see. The alar base/sill scars typically heal extremely well. You should not need anything else done.

1 week post op of Rhinoplasty, there is a gap in the right nostril where the stitches were. Is this normal? (photos)

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