Why are my alarplasty nostril scars becoming so red after the shower and a gentle clean around nostrils with a Qtip?

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Any scar can become red when exposed warm temperature.  This is of no concern.RegardsDr. J

Thanks for your question. Redness peaks about 6 weeks after alarplasty. If your redness is symmetric, then there is little reason for worry. If the redness is on one side then there could be something brewing such as in infection. Regardless, you are encouraged to return to your surgeon to discuss your concerns as only your surgeon knows exactly what procedure was performed and what stitches are placed.Best of luck with your recovery.