Reduction rhinoplasty - are there any specific risk factors for fibrosis?

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your photos. It is a common belief that individuals with thick sebaceous skin tend to have more swelling and scar tissue formation (fibrosis). Best,

Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

I'm not sure if "fibrosis" is something we take into consideration when offering reduction rhinoplasty surgery. Your results will largely be determined by the skill of your surgeon, the thickness of your skin, and the quality of your nasal skeleton, bony and cartilaginous. Consider consulting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists so you can see what to expect. Thank you. Dr Joseph

When patients have thick skin, steroid shots are going to be of some benefit for the first several months after rhinoplasty procedure if there is excess swelling and edema and scar tissue present. Blenderm taping is also helpful as well as well as a low salt diet.

There is no feature that is a 100% accurate predictor for fibrosis after rhinoplasty. As a generalization individuals with very thick skin tend to create more fibrosis. A good rhinoplasty surgeon will access all aspects of the patients anatomy when planning and modify technique as needed.

Dear Nssk10, I would seek consultations aided with digital imaging and the surgeon can show you the proposed results rhinoplasty can provide for you. During the imaging the surgeon will take into consideration your skin thickness and anatomy and provide you with imaging of realistic results. Then review the surgeons portfolio of before and afters focusing on noses similar to your own to ensure expertise. Then you can make an informed decision if rhinoplasty will provide you with the results you are looking for. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.