What kind of scar will i have from a nose job? i was thinking about gettng my nose fixed and i wanted to see some pictures of what the scars will look like? will there be swelling? how long will the swelling last?

There : There are two common rhinoplasty approaches: open and closed. All surgeries leave scars. When well-performed, scars should be fine, imperceptible, or hidden. Closed rhinoplasty yields scars inside the nostril, so they are essentially hidden. Open rhinoplasty creates scars inside the nostril and across the columella (the middle collumn of the nose). Modern surgeons favor the open approach due to its excellent exposure. A good rhinoplasty should improve the aeshetic standards of the nose and leave no evidence of surgery.

There : There may be no visible scars from a "nose job" (rhinoplasty) if it is performed "endonasally", meaning the only incisions are inside the nose. However, the procedure can also be performed through an external incision as at the base of the nose along the columella extending up from the upper lip to the nose. Sometimes the flare of the nostrils is reduced with small external incisions. All external scars are small and carefully concealed and closed to minimize their appearance and do improve with time. Nasal swelling can take 9+ months to resolve fully, but the major initial swelling resolves within the first few weeks.

Rhinoplasty : Rhinoplasty may be performed via an open (external) approach or closed (endonasal) approach. The open rhinoplasty is performed via a small incision in the columella, the skin between the nostrils. The incision generally heals very well and becomes unnoticeable over time. The closed rhinoplasty is performed with internal incisions only, so nothing is visible on the outside. Both approaches work well and appropriate for many rhinoplasty patients. More important than the rhinoplasty approach, is the specific procedures your plastic surgeon performs in your rhinoplasty. Generally, open rhinoplasty has more swelling that lasts longer as compared to endonasal rhinoplasty. Lastly, other incisions your rhinoplasty surgeon may use regardless of open vs. Endonasal rhinoplasty may include (1) nostril incisions to remove extra skin and narrow the nose, and (2) osteotomy incisions to help reshape the nasal bones. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty specialist help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki.

Small or none: The scar will be small on the bottom of your nose between your nostrils, or all inside. Go to www.Drsherris.Com to see pictures. Most swelling is gone in weeks to months, but it takes a whole year to fully heal.

Small or inside: Depending on the technique, the scar will be a very small scar on the undersurface of the nose (open technique) or hidden on the inside (closed technique). Occasionally an external nostril incision is used to reduce flaring nostrils.

Rhinoplasty scar: The scars depend on what type of rhinoplasty is performed and what maneuvers are executed.Discuss these issues with your surgeon and be sure your surgeon is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in these procedures.