Nose reconstruction can dramatically improve your nasal profile. Most complex reconstructions that involve treatment of the nasal bridge or septum require cartilage grafts. In some cases, the cartilage grafts may be harvested from the rib cartilage underneath your pectoralis muscle.
If you have undergone a rib cartilage graft and have a thick, hypertrophic, or keloid scar in the area of rib cartilage harvesting; you may be a candidate for surgical or non-surgical scar revision. These scars can often become thick, raised, red, inflamed, or hyperpigmented. Here are a few steps to take to improve your rib cartilage graft scar on your upper abdomen.
Intralesional injections of Kenalog can effectively reduce scar hypertrophy and thickness. Most plastic surgeons and dermatologists are familiar with cortisone intralesional injections and these have minimal to no downtime. Most patients will space these injections at 2-4 week intervals to effectively reduce inflammation and scar mass.
Massaging scars can increase natural levels of collagenase and cellular markers in your scar. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons recommend twice daily massage of the scars to reduce hypertrophy.
Sequel Scar Defense Serum is an excellent polysiloxane scar gel that can soothe the skin and reduce the interval to achieve scar equilibrium. Use twice daily on your scars to improve the look and feel of the skin. Rib cartilage scars can often be hyperpigmented and discolored. Reduce the interval to scar equilibrium with a dedicated regimen of Sequel Scar Defense Serum.
