What does a columella scar revision procedure consist of? And what is roughly the cost compared to the initial Rhinoplasty?

Question

I have a really thick scar on my columella from a rhinoplasty that happened exactly one year ago. I think the scar tissue is about 2 centimeters all the way around. I would like to know how the scar tissue revision is done. Maybe see a video if anyone has one. Also I would like to know what the cost is usually, I know that everyone will have different prices ranges but I'd like to get a good feel on what the prices could be.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

It should take about 20 minutes and if you were my patient and ended up with a bad scar i would revise it for free.

Vito C. Quatela, MD · Answer

Scar
revision procedures are customized depending on the size of the scar and what
needs to be done, and prices vary due to this as well as many other
factors. Many times if a bad scar
resulted from a previous surgery, the original surgeon will revise it at no
charge. The scar revision procedure is complicated
because it’s different for every scar. The size, location, and orientation are all important factors. For the columellar incision from rhinoplasty,
it’s important to know that the skin is very thin and has tension. The scar may be removed by excising it and re-approximating
the edges parallel to the initial incision.  The columellar incision in
rhinoplasty is usually made in a broken line, either an inverted v or a stair
step shape. Removal of any skin or scar
in this area can result in a retracted appearing columella or even affect the
nasal tip.  It is something that needs to be done very meticulously by
someone with experience.

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your scar. Photos of the area you are concerned with would be helpful to give you an accurate idea on costs and complexity of repair.In general a simple scar revision that could be performed in the office under local anesthetic would take care of most any scarring after an open rhinoplasty. I hope this helps and good luck.Dr Wayne

Jason Roth, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Revising a columella scar should be a fairly straight forward procedure. I would return to your primary surgeon as a first point of call. The technique involves removing the scar then very carefully suturing the skin closed when many sutures, taking care to line up the edges perfectly. Making a small "v" or zig zag in the middle of the incision can further help to hide it.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

This most likely can be performed by numbing up the area, cleaning it, cutting along the edges of the old scar, an suturing the incision. If the scar is the only problem it should be very straightforward and easy to do. If more is needed such as changes to the underlying cartilage I would expect more expense and a bigger deal than what I described. If you can follow-up with the surgeon who did your rhinoplasty that will likely be the cheapest way to go.

What does a columella scar revision procedure consist of? And what is roughly the cost compared to the initial Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

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