Does rhinoplasty leave scars? What do the post-surgical marks look like?

Does Rhinoplasty Leave Scars?

Rhinoplasty may leave small marks at the incision sites, but they typically fade over time and are rarely noticeable with proper post-operative care.

Quick Summary: Scarring after rhinoplasty is a normal part of the healing process and primarily depends on surgical technique, incision placement, and post-operative care. Most nasal procedures utilize concealed incision sites. If you follow post-operative instructions and dietary guidelines diligently, incision marks will gradually fade over several months.

Information regarding scarring after rhinoplasty is provided by BonBoz Clinic — an Aesthetic & Dermatology Clinic licensed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health (Operating License No. 11113/HCM-GPHĐ), located at 66–68 Vo Van Tan, HCMC. With over 15 years of experience and more than 20,000 rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and thread lift procedures performed, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu, MSc, Specialist Level II (Medical Director, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist, Medical Practice Certificate No. 007827/ĐL-CCHN issued by the Dak Lak Department of Health) directly addresses concerns regarding post-surgical scarring.

Expert Perspective: Rhinoplasty may leave small surgical marks, but they typically fade over time and are rarely noticeable with proper aftercare. — Dr. Nguyen Xuan Vu, MSc, Specialist Level II This information is based on established professional principles in dermatology and plastic surgery.

Where Are Rhinoplasty Incisions Located?

The placement of rhinoplasty incisions depends on the specific surgical technique chosen by the surgeon.

Structural rhinoplasty typically requires a small incision at the base of the nose (the area between the nostrils) to place structural reinforcement grafts. Cartilage-grafted (cartilage-shielded) rhinoplasty utilizes small incisions placed inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars. Rib cartilage rhinoplasty involves an incision at the base of the nose along with a donor-site incision along the chest wall (if harvesting autologous rib cartilage) or the use of pre-processed cartilage. This classification aligns with the description provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): a closed technique conceals incisions inside the nose, whereas an open technique makes an incision across the columella — the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils.

For this reason, surgical incisions are meticulously planned by the surgeon — positioned in discreet locations or along natural anatomical creases to ensure optimal concealment during healing.

What Does a Rhinoplasty Scar Look Like During Recovery?

During the initial weeks following surgery, the healing incision will progress through standard post-operative stages:

• Immediately post-op (Days 1–2): The surgical site is swollen, with mild blood exudate, visible sutures, or surgical splints.
• Days 3–5: Swelling persists or begins to subside depending on individual healing responses. Sutures remain intact as early wound closure begins.
• Days 10–14: Suture removal is performed once initial wound healing has stabilized.
• Weeks 2–4: The incision mark remains slightly erythematous (red) with mild residual edema, which is more visible upon close inspection.
• Months 2–3: The scar progressively fades to a lighter tone; residual tissue induration begins to soften.

Consequently, meticulous aftercare during this period is essential to facilitate rapid scar maturation and fading.

How to Care for the Incision to Minimize Scarring?

Proper post-operative care is critical to ensure the scar blends seamlessly into the surrounding skin:

1. 1Days 1–2 post-op: Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes per session, up to 5 times daily, to minimize swelling and control acute inflammation.
2. 2From Day 3 onward: Transition to warm compresses to enhance local blood circulation and support tissue repair.
3. 3Gentle wound hygiene: Cleanse the nasal area with physiological saline solution or as directed by your surgeon, avoiding friction or mechanical trauma.
4. 4Dietary precautions: For approximately one month, limit intake of seafood, beef, glutinous rice, water spinach, alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee, and fermented sauces to minimize inflammation and bleeding risks.
5. 5Avoid excessive facial movements: Limit wide smiles, exaggerated laughter, and excessive talking during the first few weeks to prevent tension across the incision line.
6. 6Routine follow-ups: Attend scheduled follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months so your surgeon can evaluate scar maturation and tissue healing.

When Will Rhinoplasty Scars Fully Fade?

Rhinoplasty scars typically require 6 months to 1–2 years to mature fully and fade, depending on individual physiological factors. According to the NHS (UK), scars do not disappear completely, but most will fade significantly over time, a process that can take up to 2 years or longer. Individual healing rates vary normally.

If you notice persistent erythema, hypertrophic tissue, or abnormal changes such as progressive scar enlargement, contact your surgeon promptly. You may also discuss adjunctive scar therapies to accelerate the fading process.

The most critical factor is strictly adhering to your clinic's post-operative protocol and allowing adequate time for natural tissue remodeling.

When Should You Contact a Surgeon Immediately?

While recovery progresses uneventfully in most rhinoplasty cases, you should notify your surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following signs:

• Abnormal, severe swelling that fails to subside after 3–5 days.
• Persistent bleeding or purulent drainage from the incision site.
• High fever above 38.5°C accompanied by localized erythema, heat, and swelling in the nasal area.
• Noticeable nasal asymmetry or structural deviation persisting after edema resolution.
• Prolonged numbness or loss of sensation across the nasal region.

These symptoms may indicate complications such as infection, hematoma, or structural surgical issues that require immediate in-person clinical evaluation.

Do Surgeon Expertise and Surgical Technique Affect Scarring?

Yes, the selected surgical technique and the surgeon’s clinical expertise significantly influence the degree of post-operative scarring. BonBoz Clinic provides three advanced rhinoplasty techniques — structural rhinoplasty, cartilage-grafted rhinoplasty, and rib cartilage rhinoplasty — each tailored with distinct advantages.

Our surgeons at BonBoz conduct thorough clinical examinations to evaluate your nasal anatomy, selecting the most appropriate surgical approach to achieve an optimal aesthetic outcome with minimal visible scarring. Choosing the correct surgical modality and having an experienced surgeon are essential prerequisites for discreet, well-concealed incisions.

If you have concerns about scarring, schedule an in-person consultation to discuss your case in detail and receive a tailored treatment plan for your nose.

See more: 6 Criteria for Choosing a Reputable Rhinoplasty Clinic in HCMC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a rhinoplasty scar visible from the outside?

When incisions are placed across the columellar base (between the nostrils) or entirely endonasally (inside the nose), scars are virtually imperceptible from normal viewing angles. They are typically only visible upon extremely close inspection from an inferior perspective. In most cases, once the scar matures between months 3 and 6, it is virtually undetectable unless pointed out.

Is there a way to prevent noticeable scarring entirely?

The most effective approach is selecting a qualified, experienced surgeon who utilizes precise surgical techniques to minimize tissue trauma, followed by strict adherence to post-operative wound care. While no surgical procedure involving a skin incision can be entirely scar-free, proper technique ensures the resulting mark is minimal and barely noticeable.

Are rhinoplasty scars prone to stretching or widening?

Transcolumellar and subnasal incisions are generally resistant to stretching due to robust vascularity and favorable regional healing dynamics. Provided you follow post-operative restrictions, avoid excessive mechanical tension across the nose, and maintain proper hygiene, the scar is unlikely to widen significantly.

How can I tell if my scar is healing normally?

Normal scar maturation involves progressive improvement: edema subsides, coloration transitions from erythematous (red) to light pink and eventually matches surrounding skin tones, and tissue firmness softens. If the scar remains persistently swollen, red, or demonstrates hypertrophic growth after 2–3 weeks, contact your surgeon for an evaluation.

Can I resume sports or strenuous physical activities once the scar begins to fade?

By months 2–3, as tissue healing stabilizes, light physical activities may be gradually resumed. However, contact sports and high-impact activities (such as boxing, basketball, and competitive swimming) should be avoided for at least 2–3 months. Consult your surgeon during follow-up visits to determine the safe timeline for resuming specific activities.

References

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) — Rhinoplasty procedure, accessed 02/09/2026
• NHS (UK) — Scars, accessed 02/09/2026

1. What types of abnormal scarring can occur after rhinoplasty?

In rare instances, abnormal scarring such as hypertrophic scars or keloids may develop following rhinoplasty. These scars are typically elevated, erythematous, and may be accompanied by pruritus (itching) or localized discomfort. According to the NHS, hypertrophic scars are raised and firm but remain confined within the boundaries of the original wound, whereas keloid scars extend beyond the initial incision borders. If you observe any abnormal scar proliferation, schedule an evaluation with a specialist at BonBoz Clinic for timely clinical intervention.

2. How can poor scar healing after rhinoplasty be treated?

If an incision exhibits sub-optimal healing or abnormal tissue proliferation, several therapeutic modalities are available. Management options include intralesional therapeutic injections, scar-revision laser therapy, or surgical scar revision, depending on the clinical severity. A direct in-person consultation with a specialist at BonBoz Clinic is essential to evaluate the scar characteristics and formulate an individualized treatment regimen.