Very Unhappy With Rib Cartilage Harvest Scar- Options?

Question

Hi, I had revision rhinoplasty with rib cartilage. To add to my displeasure with the revision rhinoplasty results, I now have a very unsightly scar in the middle of my chest. The scar is VERY bothersome and looks exactly like a stab wound (I have actually seen better stab wounds than this). The skin has also caved in around the area where the rib cartilage was taken, I look like I am missing a piece of my chest where the cartilage was taken. Can this be fixed?

Kristin Egan, MD · Answer

There are many options for revising the scar and improving the appearance so there is no reason to be upset about it.  Talk to your surgeon about surgically revising the scar to minimize the depression.  Redness/purpleness of the scar will fade over time and can be improved with lasers.  Hypertrophied scars can also be improved with lasers or steroid injections.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Your description of the scar is that of a classic indented nature. In most cases, the scar is somewhat wide as well as depressed. In that case, an open scar excision with reclosure will provide good improvement. If the scar is not wide and is only indented, then fat injections can provide the needed volume for scar elevation. Although you have not posted any pictures, it is more likely than not that an open scar revision is needed. That should be able to be performed in an office setting under local anesthesia if desired.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes scar revision, fat grafts can be used to correct this area. But you did not post a photo of the defect so very hard to advise. Seek in person consults.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

There is an art to everything in plastic surgery and harvesting cartilage grafts for rhinoplasty from ear or rib should consider how the area will heal and appear after what has been taken. Now that you have an indentation that shows poorly, many things can be improved with an extra effort, and perhaps a visit with your surgeon will help sort out a fix.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

without an evaluation of the scar it is hard to say, but check back with your surgeon. revisions with placement of some fat to fill out the area can be done. laser treatments can improve the appearance of the scar itself, and fillers or fat injections to improve the depression can be done.

Very Unhappy With Rib Cartilage Harvest Scar- Options?

Answers (8)

Answer: Chest scar from rib cartilage, what now

Answer: Chest scar from rib cartilage, what now

Answer: Rib harvest scar

Answer: Rib harvest scar

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Very Unhappy With Rib Cartilage Harvest Scar- Options?

Answers (8)

Answer: Chest scar from rib cartilage, what now

Answer: Chest scar from rib cartilage, what now

Answer: Rib harvest scar

Answer: Rib harvest scar

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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