Nose Piercing - Scars
Nose piercings are generally safe and don't cause scars under
healthy, normal conditions. Still, for some people, infection,
allergy or the body's natural tendency to produce too much scar
tissue can lead to scarring. Good piercing care, such as avoiding
friction and cleaning your piercing properly, can go a long way
toward preventing scars, according to the Association of
Professional Piercers. Fortunately, dermatologists can help treat
any scars that do form.
Occurrence
Scarring is a healthy, normal response to injury. The worse your
injury and the longer it takes to heal, the more likely you are to
develop a scar, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
There are two basic types of scars: common scars and keloid scars.
Common scars are usually small, flat, pink or flesh-colored marks
that fade over time. Keloid scars are raised scars that look like
bubbles. Keloids can continue to grow until they're much larger than
the area with the injured tissue. Not all people who get their noses
pierced develop scars; however, people prone to keloids have a high
chance of getting one on the pierced site.
Misconceptions
Some people mistake side effects of the natural healing process for
scarring or conditions that will lead to scarring, and remove their
piercings. Redness, swelling, crusting and small abscesses known as
piercing pimples are normal parts of the healing process, according
to the Association of Professional Piercers. Leaving the piercing in
place helps foster healing more so than does removing it, because
removing a piercing early when infection is present can lead to an
abscess. The more tissue damage you have, the more likely the
piercing is to scar. If you suspect an infection or scarring, talk
to your piercer or a health care professional before you decide to
take out the jewelry.
Prevention
The better you take care of your nose piercing, the less likely you
are to get scars related to infection and improper healing. Keep
your nose piercing clean by washing the area with mild antibacterial
soap, recommends MayoClinic.com. Leave the jewelry in for at least
six weeks or until the piercing is completely healed. Removing it
early could lead to an infection or abscess, which could lead to
scarring. Keep your hands away from the piercing and avoid the urge
to touch or fiddle with it. Avoid sun exposure as the tissue heals.
Removal of Common Scars
Many people think scars are permanent, and while they can be, most
common scars fade or disappear completely over time, according to
the American Academy of Dermatology. If they bother you, common
scars can be removed through surgery, laser skin treatments or
microdermabrasion treatments at your dermatologist's office.
Removal of Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are difficult to manage and often return after
treatment, so your dermatologist will have to develop a treatment
plan for these scars. Keloid treatment can involve surgery, pressure
bandages, corticosteroid injections and topical creams that try to
prevent the keloid from regrowing. People who regularly develop
keloids should consider avoiding future piercings or take special
precautions to help reduce keloid formation.
A Qick Cleaning Guide:
Step 1
Consult a dermatologist to determine the appropriate form of
treatment. A medical professional should assess the piercing to
establish the type of scarring before treating the area.
Step 2
Apply a silicone-based gel to the nose ring scar. Silicone reduces
the thickness of scar tissue and minimizes its appearance.
Step 3
Reduce scar tissue with corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroids
are especially beneficial on raised scar tissue. The medication
minimizes inflammation, making the scar tissue and surrounding skin
look smoother.
Step 4
Treat large dimples with soft tissue fillers. Hyaluronic acid, fat
or collagen are injected into the indentation left from the
piercing, plumping it and smoothing out the skin.
Step 5
Schedule a skin rejuvenation treatment to remove the nose ring scar.
Skin rejuvenation consists of microdermabrasion, dermabrasion or
chemical peels. All remove the surface layer of your skin to varying
degrees. This allows new skin to form, thereby minimizing scar.
Step 6
Undergo a surgical procedure to remove the scar tissue. The scar
tissue is extracted from the nose, and then the area is sutured or
fitted with a skin graft, depending on the size of the surgical
wound.
Compression bandages, silicone-based creams or corticosteroids are
often used after the procedure to minimize the formation of new scar
tissue.
CHECK OUT:
Piercing Risks
Piercing Pain
Piercing Mistakes
Piercing Effects
Piercing Jewelry Safety
Piercing Pain & Rejection