Rhinoplasty Scar Concerns One Year Post Op - Will Silicone Gel be Enough? (Photos)

Question

I’m a male, Hispanic and aged 29. I have concerns about my columellar scar. It’s Somewhat depressed and it doesnt seem like the edges of the skin fully connected on one side. I had a septorhinoplasty around a year ago. I contacted my surgeon and they told me that it’s normal at this point of the healing process and that continuous use of scar gel would improve the scar over time. While I don’t doubt that the scar will get better over time, will the indented look go away just by using silicone gel? what about the part of the scar that doesn’t look like it fully connected?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your photos and details—they really help clarify your concerns. At one year post-rhinoplasty, it’s normal for the columellar scar to still show some irregularities. Silicone gel is excellent for improving scar texture, color, and overall smoothness, and consistent use can help the scar look softer and less noticeable over time.

However, if part of the scar appears indented or the edges don’t seem fully connected, silicone gel alone may not completely correct that. Minor depressions or tethering of the skin can sometimes persist, especially if there was some underlying tissue loss or uneven healing. In such cases, additional interventions like scar revision, filler, or fat grafting can help smooth out the contour if needed.

The good news is that scars generally continue to mature and improve for up to 18–24 months after surgery, so gradual improvement is possible. Silicone gel is still worthwhile, but it may not completely resolve indentation or incomplete skin connection without further treatment.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

As a general rule, subcision works well for elevating and smoothing all kinds of indented scars from all causes, including postsurgical scars. Once elevated manually performed Dermastamp Microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) can be used to improve the superficial, surface color irregularity that troubles you. I personally do not recommend the use of scar gels, patches, etc. as I have not found them to be particularly helpful and more like just busy work.. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. 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 discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Scar Concerns One Year Post Op - Will Silicone Gel be Enough? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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