Rhinoplasty has gained immense popularity over the past few years. It is also commonly known as a nose job. The surgery is performed to enhance the overall contours and aesthetic appearance of your nose. As mentioned, the surgery enhances the aesthetic appearance, but it is also performed for medical reasons, such as fixing troubled or impaired breathing. However, one of the major concerns that might cause someone to avoid this surgery is scarring. Well, in this blog we will understand rhinoplasty scarring from the perspective of the best plastic surgeon in Hyderabad. Let’s start with learning rhinoplasty and scarring.
Rhinoplasty and Scarring
Scarring is inevitable in any surgery, whether aesthetics or medical. However, it is important to understand scarring and its extent. The extent of scarring depends on many factors, such as the type of surgery you have and how you minimize the scars, whether you are choosing an experienced professional or not.
What Causes Scarring In Rhinoplasty?
Scarring is caused during rhinoplasty due to the incision that your surgeon makes. The incision is made to expose the bone and cartilage of your nose. When you have closed rhinoplasty, the incision is made inside the nostrils, and in the case of open rhinoplasty, the incision is made outside of the nose, typically across the columella.
In the case of closed rhinoplasty, the scarring is typically not visible at all as the incision was made inside the nostrils. Meanwhile, in the case of open rhinoplasty, the incision was made outside of the nostril, thus resulting in scarring.
Now, these scars tend to heal over time. However, it is important to understand that the scars do not vanish completely but become less noticeable with time. Moreover, the extent of visibility of scars also depends on several factors, such as the surgeon’s techniques, skin type, the skin's healing ability, and how well you follow the post-surgery guidelines.
Types of Incisions and Their Impact on Scarring
Another significant aspect that needs to be discussed when understanding scarring is the type of incisions and their impact on scarring based on the location of the incision. The different types of incisions are further mentioned below:
- Closed Rhinoplasty: As mentioned before, in closed rhinoplasty, the scarring is not visible as the incision is made inside the nostril. Now this type of surgery is only suitable for individuals who do not require major alteration or changes to the shape of their nose. Moreover, in closed rhinoplasty, the healing process is typically faster because no major changes are done, resulting in minimal visible scarring.
- Open Rhinoplasty: As previously mentioned, in open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella. The columella is defined as the tissue that separates both nostrils. The location of the incision leaves a scar, which is usually not very noticeable. Now, as far as fading is concerned, these scars typically fade away over time if proper post-care guideline is followed. Following proper post-op steps allows you to reduce visibility over time.
How Long Does It Take for Rhinoplasty Scars to Heal?
So far we have discussed what causes the scarring and what its type. Now, we will discuss how long it takes for rhinoplasty scars to heal. The healing time for rhinoplasty scars can be categorized into three stages. These stages are as follows:
- Initial Healing: For the first few weeks after the surgery, you might experience swelling and bruises around the nose. The scar tends to appear red and pink, which is completely normal.
- Intermediate Healing: By 3-6 months, the scars will begin to flatten and fade. However, you might still notice some discoloration followed by slight redness. With more time, the scars will become less noticeable.
- Long-term Healing: The scar typically takes 1-2 years to become fully mature or fade. By this time, the scar has become small, barely visible to the untrained eyes, and discrete.
Note: It is important to note that every patient heals differently. The healing journey varies from one person to another. Some people may experience more noticeable scarring than others. End of the day, follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, which can significantly improve the healing process and reduce scarring.
Get Expert Consultation From Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan For Rhinoplasty Surgery In Bangalore!
Those looking for a skilled plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty can consider consulting Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan, India’s leading plastic and cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon holds more than 20 years of rich and vast experience. She has successfully performed more than 2000 cosmetic surgeries with happy patient stories. The specialist is exceptionally known for her precise work in rhinoplasty, reducing minimum scarring. If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery in Bangalore and are worried about scars, you can consult Dr. Sandhya Balasubramanyan for expert advice. For more information, request an appointment today!
