How to Get Rid of Scars on the Nose

Scars on the nose can manifest in two very different ways. The first are sunken scars, which can be the result of slow-healing scabs and acne. Nose scars can also show up as keloids, puffy, hypertrophic scars that are raised off the surface of the skin and caused by trauma, like a nose piercing. Either way, scars on the nose can be embarrassing, so talk to your dermatologist about ways to get rid of them.

Schedule a chemical peel with your dermatologist. A chemical peel works by effectively burning away the outermost layer of dead skin, allowing newer skin to develop underneath. Because of this, a chemical peel can help diminish fine lines and light scarring on the nose as it remove the damaged skin from the face. Chemical peels can have harsh side effects like pain and redness, but once healed, you may see a significant improvement in your nose scars.

How to Flatten Keloid Scars

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Apply silicone gel pad strips to your scar. Silicone gel sheets work well for both keloids and recessed scars, as they soften any scar and can often shrink it as well. Silicone gel pads are typically used after the formation of a scar as matured, and are used from 23 to 24 hours per day, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology 2. A gel pad can be cut into any size or shape you need, making it easy to conform it to the scar on your nose.

Ask your doctor about using laser resurfacing to help get rid of recessed acne scars on the nose 1. Best for small scars and minor flaws, an ablative laser is passed over the skin, producing an effect much like a sunburn, notes MayoClinic.com 1. As the damaged skin peels away, you should be able to see a marked difference in the texture of the skin on your nose. Laser resurfacing works well on the nose because it is a smaller area prone to scarring 1.

How to Remove Hyperpigmentation Scars

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Talk to your dermatologist about using cryosurgery on a puffy, raised keloid-type nose scar. If you have a puffy scar as a result from a pierced nose, you may find that your scar looks something like a wart. Cryosurgery is the same procedure by which warts are frozen using liquid nitrogen, and then filed away. The same can be done for a small, puffy nose scar as long as your doctor believes you're a good candidate.

Visit a plastic surgeon once you've exhausted other options with your doctor or dermatologist. The last option is scar revision surgery, where the scar is cut away and replace with skin grafts from elsewhere on your body. While scar revision is typically used on larger scars, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that your scar can be moved into a less obvious part of your face, like aside your nose rather than directly on the nose 2. Since it's a major surgery, consider your options and talk to your plastic surgeon to ensure it's the right choice for you.