How Visible Will Rhinoplasty Scars Be?

The Open approach to rhinoplasty is a wonderful way for the Facial Plastic surgeon to gain exposure to the nasal anatomy.  It is the approach I prefer to use most often.  You may be concerned about the scar left after open rhinoplasty, however there is nothing to worry about.

With proper closer of the incision, no one will ever see the scar as it heals beautifully.  We have not yet needed to revise a scar in this location.

I have included a short video to show how the incision is closed.

I hope this helps make your decision easier.  I don't think you will regret your open rhinoplasty.

Scarring after open rhinoplasty will fade gradually. In general, it takes a month for the scars to vanish but in some cases, complete healing might take around 3-6 months. Its speed depends on your skin thickness and color, the extent of your incisions, and your age. In your case, since you are a young patient your skin will heal faster than an older patient. Good luck with your surgery.

In our practice nearly all rhinoplasties are performed using an open approach, and the mid-columellar incision heals without incident in the overwhelming majority of our patients. When we narrow nostrils, these incisions are also placed in inconspicuous locations at the base of your nose. Hope this helps you. Dr Joseph

Rhinoplasty can be performed by utilizing either open or
closed surgical approaches. When a closed approach is used, the incisions are
placed inside the nostrils. In contrast an open approach utilizes incisions and
connects them by making a small incision across the columella. This incision
allows the nasal skin to be lifted upward to provide exposure to the underlying
anatomic structures.The
transcolumellar incision is the only incision used during rhinoplasty that has
the potential to be visible. In the vast majority of patients, these incisions
heal imperceptibly.After adequate
healing, it can be difficult to find the original incision in most cases.

Hello,I have not found the external scar from an open rhinoplasty to be a problem cosmetically. I have performed essentially all of my cosmetic rhinoplasties over the past 20 years through an open approach and I do not remember a patient being unhappy with the scar. However, I have seen scars that have been placed closer to the lip as opposed to the mid columellar area that can sometimes be noticeable. I would discuss this with your surgeon.

Incisions and scarring are only a factor in an “open” rhinoplasty, as a “closed” rhinoplasty is performed without any incisions. A good surgeon will strategically place the incision at a point that will be least visible as your new nose heals. Typically, the incision is made between the nostrils and is virtually undetectable to onlookers. If you are worried about scarring, ask your surgeon to see before-and-after pictures of real, past patients so that you can personally evaluate their experience with residual scarring.