How Severe is Nostril Scarring After Revision Rhinoplasty?

Question

A year ago, I had Rhinoplasty to reduce my septum, remove my dorsal hump, and reduce the size of my nostrils (which were extremely large). I'm happier with my nose, but the size of my nostrils still concerns me and I'm considering having revision surgery to make them smaller.

	My surgeon said that there's a risk of scarring by having the nostrils reduced further, could any of you share your experiences in nostril scarring? How likely is it? How visible are the scars? Will they fade? Is there any after-care treatments to minimize the scars?

Ira D. Papel, MD · Answer

Reducing the size of the nostrils is a common procedure in rhinoplasty. It involves removing extra skin where the nose meets the face, placing the incisions in natural lines to hide them. The scars usually heal well and are difficult to see when healed. It is important for all patients to realize that any skin incision will create a small scar, even if well done. As always, there is a trade between a better nostril shape and the presence of small scars.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The width of the base of your nose can be reduced. It requires a visible incision hidden along the outer crease of the nose. If the skin quality is favorable like your, then the resulting scar is hardly noticeable. There is a limit to the reduction that can be achieved and its usually less than what is desired. However that alone shouldn't stop you. I'd encourage you to continue.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is correct in that you will have some degree of scarring with this type of revision procedure. Usually the incisions are placed along the outer margin of the nostril where it joins the cheek. Alternatively, some incisions are placed along the nasal sill, which is the area between the columella (the column separating the two nostrils) and the outer margin of the nostril.

	In still other cases, both incisions are combined. In most patients these incisions heal quite nicely and are barely visible to the naked eye. Like all scars, they are visible initially, start fading away within a few weeks and continue healing upwards of one year following surgery. This type of base reduction procedure can really help to provide a much more balanced looking nose.

Russell Kridel, MD · Answer

Nostril size can be further reduced but you want to be conservative; once tissue has been removed, it cannot be placed back in. When too much skin has been excised, the sides of the nostrils (the alae) can appear too straightened or artificial. You want to leave a little curve so that the nostrils do not look operated upon. If the incisions that are made to reduce the nostrils are visible they can be dermabraded after about 6 weeks after surgery to make them look less visible.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Addition reduction of the nostril size can be achieved by making incisions at the base of the nose where the outer margins of the nostrils join the face. Scarring is  usually favorable in a person like you with light skin color. I would encourage you to proceed with the revision.

How Severe is Nostril Scarring After Revision Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nostril size or alar base reduction and revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril size or alar base reduction and revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Reduction

Answer: Nostril Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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How Severe is Nostril Scarring After Revision Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nostril size or alar base reduction and revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril size or alar base reduction and revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Reduction

Answer: Nostril Reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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