Nose job procedure may cause some scaring regardless of whether it performs as a closed or open procedure. Although in the closed rhinoplasty the scars are inside the nose and are not visible, but sometimes surgeons prefer to perform nose job under the open technique in order to fully see the underlying nasal structure and achieve better results. Usually choosing the open or closed technique depending on the patient’s unique nasal structure and the exact issue that needs to be corrected.
Open or external technique
It is usually performed for patients whose nose need extensive work. In this technique, the surgeon makes a small incision under the nasal tip, between the nostrils. In this approach, the surgeon has more access to the nasal structure and can reshape nose properly.
Closed or endonasal technique
In this method, the surgeon makes incisions within the nose then separate the skin from the bone and cartilage. So he/she has access to the underlying structure and can do the correction.
Pre-op and post-op instruction to prevent scar tissue
During the consultation appointment, your doctor asks your history about the poor scaring from previous surgical operation or injuries. Before the surgery, your doctor also asks you to avoid taking some special medications that thin the blood, stop alcohol consumption as well as using tobacco products. Patients are also given instruction for post-op care including rest and pain management, a timeline for getting back to normal activities and a general list of what you can do and don’t after the surgery and avoiding sun damage.
What causes rhinoplasty scars to get worse?
Several factors can cause your scars to get worse including:
Infection
If the incision site gets infected, the wound healing will be delayed and sometimes as the cut grows the skin pulls away from this area. In this condition, the body energy will consume for fighting with bacteria instead of healing the wounds.
Smoking
Since the oxygen is the fuel for the healing process, the speed of the healing process is slower for smokers because when you smoke your blood has a lower oxygen level.
Age
It is an inevitable factor that affects the healing process because your healing capabilities will decrease as you get older. The speed of healing a scar at age 60 is not the same as age 20 although everyone has a unique nasal structure.
Sun exposure
UV ray darkens scar tissue and makes it more remarkable. The pigmentation works like a frame for the incision place and confronts with the skin around it.
Damaged skin
The skin condition also plays an important role in scars healing. The process of incision healing for dry and cracked skin is much more difficult than well-moisturized skin.
Allergic reaction
Your skin may allergies to post-operative supplies at the incision place and may causes irritation, infection or rash in the wound.
How to reduce rhinoplasty scars?
Following are some steps that can minimize the chance of rhinoplasty scars:
Clean the incision area
You should exactly follow the instruction that your doctor provides you following the operation in order to keep the incision site clear of debris, bacteria and anything else that can irritate the wound.
Stay out of the sun
It may take up to one year until your scar fully heal although it is depending on everybody handles scarring. During this time, you should use sunscreen to limit any damage because sun exposure can darken the mark.
Avoid strenuous activity for a while
You should avoid things that strain your nose such as picking up heavy weights, blowing your nose and doing anything that may cause nose trauma.
Watch for infection
The redness around the incision area is a normal condition following the nose job but if it gets worse after the time or if you see blood, pus or other fluid coming out of the wound, contact your doctor immediately. Running a fever without any partial excuse or hot to the touch skin are other symptoms of infection.
Reduce swelling
Swelling is a part of the healing process but you can reduce and control it by using ice packs and another method.
General speaking rhinoplasty scars is an unavoidable issue but it can be minimized and controlled by different factors. More addition the expert of your rhinoplasty surgeon and your body structure are effective as well.
