2 months post op Rhinoplasty, I have a crack like opening at alar base. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty with alar base reduction 2 months ago, everything was healing great until a few days ago. At the crease/scar on my left nostril I started feeling some irritation and redness. Then a crust like skin developed. The crust came off and there was a 'mouth like' opening. Move my face and you see it open, stay relaxed and you don't notice it. It seems to be the thickness of my skin. My PS said to keep it moisturized and it will close. Well it's elongated now. I'm worried won't close.

Danny Soares, MD · Answer

The skin of the alar bases is thick and very sebaceous; as a result, it is prone to acne formation, milia, and rarely hypertrophic scarring. On occasion, deep sutures can also begin to extrude and present with superficial bumps. Your surgeon should be able to evaluate the area to determine if that is the case. With that being said, at 2 months it is still very early to expect full return of that area to normal; I would certainly, however, closely monitor it to ensure that it is improving and not worsening. Bacterial colonization in the area can also lead to skin breaks that fail to heal; in such cases, the application of an anti-staphyloccoccal ointment, such as mupirocin, may be of benefit; I would inquire further with your surgeon. Best of luck!

Andrew S. Frankel, MD · Answer

Have your surgeon examine you if he/she has not already done so. The question is why this sudden change after two months? The tissue certainly looks inflamed to me so perhaps you have an infection there or perhaps you injured the area. Once the cause of the problem is taken care of the wound should heal nicely but if there is a persisting infection or other type of healing impediment it might not heal.

2 months post op Rhinoplasty, I have a crack like opening at alar base. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

2 months post op Rhinoplasty, I have a crack like opening at alar base. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.