Do I Need Kenalog Post-rhinoplasty? I Have Thick Skin. (photo)

asked 7 months ago by starinajar13
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 380 times
Tags: atrophy, kenalog, risk, thick skin, worried

Hi, I had rhinoplasty last week and got the packing out today. The bridge looks great but the tip is very swollen (which I expected; I have thick skin). My Dr. recommended that I get steroid injections (Kenalog?) to reduce the swelling, but I'm worried about the dent/atrophy risk. Is it a must to get the shots or will my body heal the swelling on its own to the same result with more time? How often does atrophy at the injection site occur? I don't want to ruin the results. Thanks!

8 answers to Do I Need Kenalog Post-rhinoplasty? I Have Thick Skin. (photo)

Kenalog Injection in Thick Skin Post Rhinoplasty

Some excellent rhinoplasty surgeons will inject Kenalog shortly after surgery in patients with thick skin like you. I rarely do this because I prefer to wait to see how the healing progresses. Injections will be just as effective in the near future. Having said that, I always recommend that a patient follow their surgeon's recommendations post-operatively.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

I would hold off on the steroid injection

The photographs show the result of your rhinoplasty one week after surgery. I would urge you to, perhaps, hold off on the steroid injection. In my opinion, it is too soon to draw a conclusion as to how well Nature will handle the swelling. It is certainly possible that, as time goes on, the swelling will abate itself, and that you will be satisfied. You see, my concern is that this soon after nasal surgery, if steroid is injected, it may, in fact, slow the... more

Robert Kotler, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Steroid Injection after Rhinoplasty

Steroid injections, commonly Kenalog, are very common after rhinoplasty surgery. The steroid helps reduce swelling and scarring and further refine the nose, which is expected after nasal surgery. Not every patient requires or would benefit from steroid injection. Patients with thick skin are more likely to need steroid treatment, since thick skin patients more likely develop scar tissue after rhinoplasty, as compared to thin skin patients. Speak with your rhinoplasty... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Concerned about steroid injections in nose mentioned 1 week post rhinoplasty

You are only 1 week after a rhinoplasty which is extremely early to be considering a steroid injection. It can take up to a year for the swelling of the tip to maximally subside. You are rightfully concerned about the steroid injection and the irreversible consequences of its usage. In my personal opinion, it is far too early to consider using it in short order (though every one has their own opinion). It is very rare in my practice that I would be injecting steroids in the nose for the very... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Steroid injection after rhinoplasty--not yet!

You stated that you had rhinoplasty surgery last week. At this point in your recovery swelling is normal, and can be expected to diminish over time. Perhaps your surgeon is discussing possible steroid injection at some future point in response to your concerns about nasal tip swelling now, but it is too early at this point (and he probably feels the same way). While steroids are helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation, they can also decrease scar tissue, which is why I believe it is... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty

Swelling this soon after surgery is expected. Before doing invasive injections for swelling one should try the obvious conservative measures like elevation (sleeping with your head on 2 pillows, no head down position even to tie your shoelaces), warm compresses and gentle massage of the sides of the nose. Then you can have your doctor prescribe a tapering dose of solumedrol that is taken as a pill by mouth if those measures do not work. I hope you realize that this format of posting... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Do I Need Kenalog Post-rhinoplasty? I Have Thick Skin.

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and IMHO, 1 week is too soon to have steroid injected into the nose. If required, kenalog 10 can be injected into the subcutaneous tissue of the supratip at 1 or 2 months post Rhinoplasty. You should speak with the plastic and cosmetic surgeon that did your Rhinoplasty.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Kenalog after Rhinoplasty

It is not unusual to use kenalog in thick skinned patients after rhinoplasty to help with the swelling. Very small amounts are used to minimize the risks you are concerned about (whicxh are real). I usually wait 1 month but every surgeon is different and has their own protocol. Discuss this with your doctor to come to a decision that seems right. Good luck on your new nose.