Can your CT scan show your scar tissue and healing after rhinoplasty?

Question

Or is there any other scanning that one can do to nose after primary rhinoplasty to see whether nose is healing well and if scarring shows up? Basically anything to help determine whether a revision would be suitable and to what extent can one expect improvement. Eg improvements in bridge, tip etc. Thanks.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The best way to determine if you are healing well after rhinoplasty is to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. A physical examination and photos may be helpful for evaluating your results. I hope you are happy with your results and your surgeon thinks you are healing properly. If this isn't the case, consider consulting with another reputable rhinoplasty specialist. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Getting a cat scan after rhinoplasty might show if you have a sinus infection. Otherwise it would give no worthwhile information about the healing of the nose

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Thank you for your questions.
Scar formation is part of the healing process. Some patients get greater scarring than others which is multifactorial. In the first few months in those who are at higher risk of scarring, steroid injections may be considered but this carries its own risks and is not routinely performed after a primary rhinoplasty. In general, one must wait at least for 1 year to allow healing process to complete and making any judgment on the outcome.
CT scan is not a good investigation to check for scarring. Indeed, in most cases no imaging is required and the decision to have a revision surgery is based on the clinical findings. Rarely an MRI scan is required to assess underlying nasal tissues. For example, in those patients who had previously surgery by other surgeons, and one wishes to assess if a synthetic grafts were utilized in the primary surgery.
Best wishes,

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Assessing for revision: The best way to assess whether a revision is needed is a physical examination with look and touch by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. In some cases scar tissue builds up in the area above the tip called the supratip ,and this can be treated with a Cortizone injection rather than surgery. in any event scar tissue can take a year or more to resolve so final considerations about revision should wait that long.

Can your CT scan show your scar tissue and healing after rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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