Reducing or Eliminating Nostril Scar After Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had Rhinoplasty about 10 weeks ago, and one of my nostrils was reduced as part of the surgery. I like my nose, but hate my nostril scar. I really wish my doctor would have told me how hideous the scar was going to be, so I could have told him to leave my nostril alone. Sadly, what is done is done, and it's permanent. Can anything be done to PERMANENTLY reduce or eliminate the nostril scar?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Nothing can be permanently done to remove a scar. There are multiple techniques that can camouflage a scar such as cortisone injections, dermabrasion. It is important to make sure that the scar is well healed and not causing any other issues. Occasionally, an unsightly scar can be surgically excised, removed, and placed in a better anatomical position.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

... nobody can promise that the scars will heal significantly better. In addition, every time the scar is revised, the nostril will become a tiny bit smaller which may limit the procedure in the first place.
You should wait at least 6 to 9 months before making any final decisions about further procedures. Although other procedures are used for facial scars, they may have limited efficacy for scars after alar base reduction.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It depends on why the nostril looks bad. If there is a step, it can be redone. If the line is the problem, there are several ways to handle this. You should wait at least 6 months to see if it will look better, unless there is a step problem. A step means the 2 sides don't come together at the same level.

Jason Litner, MD · Answer

I'm sure you're very frustrated right now with the level of healing of your nostril scar. There should be some reason for reassurance because, when it comes to scars, time is on your side. It will probably improve somewhat just with passage of time alone. There are some things that can be done to improve healing now and later on if you're still unhappy with it.
When it comes to nostril scars, we need to differentiate if the problem is just a poor scar or if too much tissue has been removed. Tissue loss is harder to deal with, but a poor scar alone can often be improved.
In the short term, if the scar is raised, its firmness and thickening can be flattened with gentle daily massage, silicone gel, and sometimes steroid injections. These treatments can range from being just a little to very effective depending on the scar and your tissue response. Even so, nothing will change a poor scar into a favorable scar overnight.
In the long term, some options for permanent improvement include resurfacing with a laser or dermabrasion, a pulsed dye laser or other vascular laser to reduce discoloration, and possible scar revision in the right situation.
I'd advise you to raise your concerns with your surgeon at your next visit. Perhaps he can get you started down the road to being happier with your healing.
Best of luck,
Jason Litner, MD

Cem Payasli, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. 
  
Before drawing conclusions, it is necessary to wait for a full recovery, which can take up to 12 months.  If after  full recovery you are not satisfied  with your scar, measures must be taken. There are many ways to reduce the visibility of the scar.  Keep communication with your surgeon. Be healthy.
  
Best Regards, 
  
DR CEM PAYASLI 
  
MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS.

Reducing or Eliminating Nostril Scar After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

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