I'm 1 month post op and my open rhino scar looks really bad. (photos)

Dear upturned,Thank you for your question. You are still early on in the healing process. The scar should slowly get better with time. I usually recommend using a silicone based scar gel treatment for my patients. Also remember to always wear sunscreen, since sun exposure can make the scar worse. Be sure to speak with your operating surgeon directly about your concerns. Best of luck! 

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

Right now your scarring looks more red than normal, but not alarmingly.  The prolonged scabbing is also not normal, but things look like they are settling down.  The key is to keep the incisions moistened, and typically a standard petroleum ointment like vaseline, aquaphor, or even something containing an antibiotic would be best.  Silicone is really hard to work with in that site, and there really is no proven advantage anyway.  IF you get six or even twelve months out and are still unhappy, bring it up to your surgeon and she/he can likely laser away the last visible concerns.

You are very early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point. The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years. You have not reached your final shape as the nose will continue to heal and reduce in size for up to a year. Once it does reach its final shape you may be more pleased with the appearance of your nose.

Though your scar is noticeable one month after surgery, with time the scar will continue to fade.  There are some excellent silicone gel products on the market that you can apply to the scar which will enhance the healing process and promote fading and smoothing of the scar.  Please be patient as a premature scar revision will only result in more scarring and discoloration.  

The first 3 months most scars are more raised and red before they fade to white. The incision should have been kept moist with vaseline at all times to avoid any scabbing. Speak to your Plastic Surgeon next time as they may be able to recommend a scar gel that you could begin using.

You are early in the healing process and you will have to give it time to settle down. Sometimes an indent at this stage is from swelling.

This incision usually heals very well. I would speak with your surgeon directly but if I have a scar that is a bit red or raised, there are lasers which can be used to help. Scar gels are also helpful but you are pretty early and the scar will continue to improve. Best of luck

Best to just give this more time and continue to treat it topically. Vitamin E oil works fine and is not too expensive. This will be very inconspicuous after three months I would expect. If there are some persistent scar issues then laser or scar revision can be performed to help correct this.

I would give it some more time. Sometimes it can take a few weeks/months for scar redness to fade. Silicone based scar gels can help with this, but ultimately time is what you need until the redness subsides. I would not consider revising the scar until at least 6-12 months. If you have any concerns, I recommend following up with you doctor.