I had Rhinoplasty done almost two weeks ago and I have noticed that one nostril is healing propertly, but the other is not. It can be seen on the picture that it seems to be open and has some blood in between. I've sent this picture and some other to my doctor, but the receptionist says it's normal and that I should put some Neosporin on it and it will get better.
However, I'm concerned because when I touch it, the nostril seems to be moving and open in half. I'm afraid it might heal open and I'll end up with a horrible scar. Is this normal, and will it heal properly? I don't know what to do, and I'm really afraid and frustrated now.
Answer
The pictures seem to show that the incision of the alar base reduction on the left has split open. Such a problem is not "normal" and should be evaluated by your surgeon. I would be leery of closing a dehisced wound at this stage, though, since the swelling could make it hard to precisely close the wound edges and the contaminated nature of such a wound could increase the likelihood of infection by closing it. A reasonable approach for such wounds can include simply letting it heal in on its own and then revising the resulting scar--often a minor in-office procedure--several months later. All the best, --DCP
Dr. David C. Pearson, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
It would be my advice and opinion to let it heal. An attempt at closing this "open" is not generally a good idea because one it is open, it may have a higher chance of becoming infected. Letting it heal on its own with Neosporin as your doctor advised is a reasonable alternative. In the event that this produces excessive scar it can be revised at a later date when the risk of infection is low. Attempting a quick fix now may not ultimately give you your best result.
Dr. Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Hi Poli, It looks like the Weir incision made to narrow your nostril has opened. It needs to be sutured. If closed properly you should not end up with the "horrible scar" that you are worried about. Good luck. Dr. P
Dr. Michael A. Persky, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
It sounds like the wound is open and should be closed by your surgeon-at least it should be evaluated. I have never had this problem and it may have been caused by trauma to the area. Insist on being seen.
Dr. Toby Mayer, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Your wound looks like it has opened a bit. It left to heal in on it's own the scar will be wider than the right nostril but probably not much. Going in to revise the open wound too early could really create a significant scar that is not easily correctable. Let it heal with good clean care and see how it turns out. It may look great and not need any revision, or it may just need a small in-office revision to clean it up. Either way do insist that you get seen by your surgeon so that he/she can actually see what the problem is and help allay any fears that you may have. Sometimes, office staff are a bit too protective of their surgeon's time to the detriment of legitimate patient concerns. Good luck and don't stress until you get all the facts about your particular situation. Dr. Shah
Dr. Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon