Is my open Rhinoplasty scar botched? Or will it settle? What do I do if it is botched? (photos)

Question

I had open Rhinoplasty 2 months ago. My scar looks like a chunk is missing. Is this just due to swelling? Will it get better? What do I do to fix it?

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! Being only one month post-op it is common to still have a lot of swelling. The incision is still pink and has not fully healed, therefore it is not an appropriate representation of the final result.  I recommend giving your nose more time to heal along with continuing to follow post op protocols provided by your surgeon. As always it is important to keep in contact with your surgeon and express concerns so that you both can be on the same page.
Best of luck,
Dr. Kian

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Your incision does not appear to be "botched", but remains red and is still healing from the surgery. The appearance of the scar you share is common. Sometimes minor scar mis-matches or irregularities require a scar revision or dermabrasion in the office for further refinement. For now, I would share your concerns with your surgeon, while allowing time for further recovery. I am sure that your surgeon will offer refinement if this becomes necessary. Hope this helps.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Rhinohelp, Your incision is not botched and should heal better in time. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon as he/she knows the technique that they used during the procedure. Personally when I perform open rhinoplasty I prefer to use an inverted V incision versus a straight incision. The notched V incision allows a perfect match up of the skin and tissues and heals quickly with no visible signs of the incision. See an example in the video attached of a patient at four weeks post surgery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is my open Rhinoplasty scar botched? Or will it settle? What do I do if it is botched? (photos)

Answers (4)

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