Bad alar base scar. Any preventative measures I can start taking? (Photo)

Question

This is post op day 7. Should I be concerned about the way it is healing? My dr said to wait it out and that it would even out w the other nostril but I'm not sure and worrying a lot. It gets worse when I smile. Any preventative measures I can start taking or any future treatments if it doesn't heal well?

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon is likely to suggest revision of the alar bases and moving the rims down after you heal. It would be prudent to keep in touch with him/her.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Alar scars can be white and visible. Hidef protocols can help with visible alar scars on the face. I see a lot of these in my office in Beverly Hills. Surgery is often not needed if lasers and HIDEF scar revision techniques are introduced. 
In our office, we combine treatments starting with topical pre-conditioning of the scars with Plato's Scar Serum for hypertrophy and Melarase PM for pigmentation. Fractional RF, laser, and micro fractional RF can help limit scar growth. Kenalog IIT can also help reduce scar thickness. For lip lift scars specifically, I use selective Hyfrecation to reduce scarring. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like your alar rim on the left side is not aligned.  You need to discuss this with your surgeon and may need a revision.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

Just from the pictures I would be concerned with the way it is healing. It appears that the left sided incision opened and separated slightly. The first recommendation would be to keep in close contact with your surgeon. At this point, there is not much to do, but you may need that revised once it has healed in a few months.Best of luck

Bad alar base scar. Any preventative measures I can start taking? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Alar base scarring

Answer: Alar base scarring

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Bad alar base scar. Any preventative measures I can start taking? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Alar base scarring

Answer: Alar base scarring

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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