Over 5 years post op and rhinoplasty scar is still visible, what can be done to minimize its appearance? (photo)

Thank you for sharing your concern and photo. Scarring on the nostrils after rhinoplasty, even several years later, is not uncommon, especially if there was tension on the incision site or if the individual has a tendency to form hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Since you are now more than five years post-op, the scar has likely reached full maturation. However, there are still several options to help improve its appearance:

Laser Treatments: Fractional lasers such as CO₂ or erbium lasers can resurface the skin and help soften and blend the scar with surrounding tissue.

Steroid Injections: If the scar is thickened, raised, or red, corticosteroid injections may help flatten it and reduce inflammation.

Microneedling or RF Microneedling: These treatments stimulate collagen remodeling and can help improve the texture and tone of scarred tissue.

Scar Revision Surgery: In some cases, surgical scar revision may be considered to remove the scar and re-close the incision more precisely, especially if the original closure was under tension.

Topical Silicone Gels or Sheets: While less effective this late after surgery, some patients still benefit from ongoing use to maintain moisture and reduce scar visibility.

Camouflage Makeup or Dermablending: For non-invasive coverage, high-quality medical-grade makeup can be used to mask the scar daily.

It’s important to consider the nature of the scar—whether it's atrophic (depressed), hypertrophic (raised), or pigmented—as this will guide which treatment or combination is best.

I hope this helps you better understand your options and take the next step toward improving the appearance of the scar.

Hi Happylife,
Your scar would best be improved with several fractionated CO2 laser treatments +/- a small amount of strategically placed intrapersonal steroids in the central portion.
Only go to a board-certified dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon for this, though. There are many “laser expert” imposters out there and that’s how you can get into trouble with complications.
Hope this helps!
Dr. Kiripolsky

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon