Is this a normal wound healing after rhinoplasty surgery or the start of a bad scar/keloid scar? (Photo)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty surgery 9 days ago, and 2 days ago I went back to remove the cast and stitches. The nurse that removed the stitches had to remove the scabs as well because of the stitches that were caught inside.. I am now really afraid that I am going to have really bad scarring, especially underneath my left nostril.. It looks bad, it has no scab (i think it's only the ointment showing), it's very open. I'm using an ointment made for scarring. My skin heals normally very well.

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi there, 
First and Foremost no case of Keloids has ever been described after Rhinoplasty!
However, your scars look quite dry and a bit red - possibly an inflammatory reaction. You might consider using an antibiotic ointment for several days and continue thereafter using any kind of healing cream (applied two to three times per day) in order to avoid dry scar tissue. The ointment will create a humid micro-environment. Healing cells grown into the wound from the sides. By using a cream you significantly reduce the surface tension, which allows healing cells to grown in faster and blend in better - (Similar to a floor that becomes slippery when wet).
The result of continuous application of an ointment is a scar that heals in half the time and with a better result.

Good luck

Girish Amarapuram Chandramouly, MBBS · Answer

keep applying antibiotic ointment for the wound till it becomes dry, hope it will  become normal within one to two months.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear hanhov, That is not the most ideal placement of weir incisions I have seen. With that said, I would see your surgeon, not the nurse as the incisions are red and inflamed. Your surgeon should be treating you to help expedite your recovery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is this a normal wound healing after rhinoplasty surgery or the start of a bad scar/keloid scar? (Photo)

Answers (3)