I have a scar on my nose tip after a open rhinoplasty. Is this normal? What can I do to correct this? (photos)

Cosmetic surgery procedures require a disciplined approach to scars, whether or not the incisions are placed on the face or body. In our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic, we recommend that patients follow basic wound healing guidelines followed by the application of Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily once the skin is healed. If the incisions are prone to pigmentation, addition of Melarase PM is required. After a few weeks, the skin heals over and laser therapy is initiated to further improve scarring.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I would try to treat the scar now. You could try a silicone gel like kelocote. That typically helps with the redness of the scar and helps it to appear more along the lines of your skin color. Laser treatment or micro needling of the scar are other options.

The redness of your scar will fade with time. Your frontal photo appears to show that the scar is depressed, or indented. If the indentation were filled, you may notice it less. In our practice we prefer to fill depressed scars with Silikon-1000, an off-label filler for permanent results. An in-person examination would be necessary to determine what might be best for you.Hope this helps you.Dr. Joseph

I completely understand your frustration. If you did not have a scar on the tip of your nose before surgery, there is no reason why you should have one there after surgery. As the other surgeons have mentioned, the skin may have been inadvertently violated while he elevated the skin and soft tissue off the underlying cartilage. In a revision rhinoplasty, this step of the procedure must be done with extra caution. Cautery or tight dressings can also cause this type of scar.A vascular laser (Pulse Dye Laser or KTP Laser) can help with the redness of the scar. If the scar is depressed (indented) a scar revision followed by dermabrasion or laser resurfacing may be necessary to achieve an optimal result.Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers can lift the scar and improve its appearance. The downside is that these treatments need to be repeated every 6 months or so.Please consult with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon to discuss all of your options. Although it is true that the scar will continue to evolve over the next several months, it is unlikely to improve significantly without intervention at this point.

There are several options.  To reduce the redness you can get this treated with laser.  To address the depression it may be possible to fill this in with Juvederm.  The final option is to do a scar revision. Good luck!

Dear MandavikThe scar on your nose is not part of the usual incisions for an open rhinoplasty, Im sure you must be very frustrated if it has been 8 months and he has not offered to fix it for you. It looks like the skin over your lower lateral cartilage was somehow violated during the operation. I would find a board certified surgeon right away with expertise in helping patients with scars to discuss what the best option for you would be. As suggested below, a filler is one good option for treating depressed scars. Other options include laser scar revision, platelet rich plasma with derma pen, or a product called Acell which attracts and activates stem cells. Sorry you are having to go through this and I hope you find help soonBest wishesDr S

Hi,Your scar is not normal.  It occurred due to one of three reasons or a combination of these reasons:1) He inadvertently cut through your skin during skin elevation2) He cauterized the under surface to stop bleeding and caused skin damage3) He put a dressing on too tight that cause blood vessel compromise.  Unfortunately it is what it is.  It should not happen but there are risks during surgery.  Luckily you have fair skin which means once the redness goes away it should improve.  If may require a few drops or Belotero injected under it to raise it or PDL & or CO2 laser to improve it.  Time also helps.  

Your surgeon should know what happened and what caused this scar. Open rhinoplasty does not leave a scar on the tip of the nose. Scars are permanent. Thee scar need to be as flat as possible, may need revision then multiple treatments with laser resurfacing