How Visible Will Rhinoplasty Scars Be?

Question

I am scheduled to have an open rhinoplasty to slightly refine my nasal tip. I tend to not scar badly, and I was wondering, how visible will the scar be after the stitches are removed, beginning about two weeks after surgery?

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

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.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

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

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

Jerold Olson, MD · Answer

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.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

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.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty after a properly performed open rhinoplasty are often quite hard to see postoperatively.  However, a large percentage of my practice is revision rhinoplasty (revising other surgeon's rhinoplasty work) and I do notice poor scar formation is quite common.  Some common errors in scar planning in open rhinoplasty:

	
		Placing incision too high along columella- If the incision is too close to the soft tissue triangle it will disrupt a natural border and can become more visible
	
		Poor scar design
	
		Visible edges of the scar- Seeing the scar along the sides of the columella if not closed properly

David Mattos, MD · Answer

Great question. I tell all of my patients that the incision we make on the columella, or the center of your nose when you are looking at it from the worm's eye view, is nearly invisible once healed for almost every patient. Even when not completely invisible, it is very hard to see for the remainder of patients and I have never had a patient complain about it. By 2-3 weeks out it typically is already very subtle if good technique was used.

However, if there is a plan to make an incision anywhere else, such as the alar crease, the nostril sill, etc. that is different. Those scars are a bit less predictable and sometimes scar more visibly, so proceed with caution if you are thinking about having something done there. Hope that helps!
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Paul L. Leong, MD, FACS · Answer

Scarring is a very common and reasonable concern to have before undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. When I perform an open rhinoplasty, I always close the incision along the columella. The location of this particular incision usually heals in a way in which it is undetectable. It is important that you only have rhinoplasty performed by an experienced, skilled surgeon to minimize the chances of scar formation. At just two weeks, the incisions will not be completely healed. Your incision line will continue to fade as you heal.

Morgan E. Norris, III, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! An open rhinoplasty involves a small incision in the area between your nostrils called the columella. In most cases, incisions will be made inside of the nose, which allows for no visible scarring. Sometimes incisions will be made at the base of the nose. When performed correctly, these incisions should be easily concealed and scarring will fade over time. Hope this helps.Best Wishes!

How Visible Will Rhinoplasty Scars Be?

Answers (15)

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