Dupixent for swelling rhinoplasty

Question

Hello, 4.5 years ago I had a revision rhinoplasty, with the same doctor, that did my initial rhinoplasty. I have been getting steroid injections to manage swelling. My one side of the nose is larger than the other and my right side of bridge has a squishy feel when you push on it. Visually looks like a bump. But not hard. Now my doctor said to see a Dermatologist in Oak Brook IL for a shot called Dupixent for swelling. Found this strange, that they no longer are seeing me & advised this route.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You actually have a very difficult problem to correct- asymmetry to the bridge years after revision surgery! Unfortunately, at this point, any non-surgical treatments would not be able to achieve the result you're looking for. A revision rhinoplasty can best address your aesthetic concerns and any functional issues with your nose. I would be able to adjust the size, shape, and especially the definition of your nose. I'd also be able to open up and solidly reinforce the underlying structural framework of your nose (to prevent distortion and retraction from scarring forces over time)!

Revision rhinoplasty is truly a surgery of millimeters- they are the most technically challenging procedures in all of plastic surgery! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading revision rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with revision rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Dupixent has nothing to do with nasal swelling. Where will they put the shot? Dupixent is used for nose problems if you have chronic polyposis and recurrent sinus infections that haven't responded to surgery. The shots are given in your belly, not in the nose. Oh, and you'll need many shots before things improve. And without insurance approval (good luck), the shots would cost about $6,000 each. I'd be really curious if anyone is really using Dupixent for your purpose.

But it does sound as though your doctor has given up. And you shouldn't be getting steroid shots this late anyway. Time for another opinion from another doctor!

But it does sound as though your doctor has given up. And you shouldn't be getting steroid shots this late anyway. Time for another opinion from another doctor!

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Dupixent is not used for this... unless there is a concern that you are experiencing some kind of allergy type reaction. It's possible that your doctor is trying to tell you this in an off-label fashion but I have never heard of this for that treatment. If anything, you should be getting steroid injections or something similar for that, not dupixent, which is a biologic and likely will cost thousands of dollars.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Dupixent Is an immunological drug that may be indicated for some people who have chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. I am not aware of this medication being indicated for surgical swelling after rhinoplasty. Please consider getting a second opinion from another reputable rhinoplasty specialist. If you like, please consider re-asking a question with before and after photographs. I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your description, the better way to proceed is likely with another revision rhinoplasty at this point. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Dupixent for swelling rhinoplasty

Answers (5)

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