Do Kenalog injections after rhinoplasty reduce the swelling?

Question

I am curious is kenalog simply reduces swelling post rhinoplasty or if it can shift the final outcome. Say you had a patient with a large amount of residual swelling at 3 months post op, would the swelling change the surgical result? Is Kenalog just a speedy way to heal or can it actually prevent unwanted final results?

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. Kenalog is an anti inflammatory steroid, it inhibits healing, it doesn’t speed it. It can also cause fat lipodystrophy, (melting fat) changing the result. It’s a tool, and like all tools can be used various ways. Shot directly into the nose it’s not going to make a difference w swelling throughout the nose as much as it will melt fat. Given systemically, as an im shot, it’s more how it reduces swelling. So short answer, it can do both, depending upon how it’s used. At 3 months post op, if you are close to your desired result, just be patient till 6 months. If you aren’t close, before expecting this to be a cure, have a good discussion with your surgeon.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The use is injected steroids such as kenalog are very helpful in reducing the tip swelling after rhinoplasty.  I start at about two months and do three injections one month apart.  The change will be gradual but noticeable.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Kenalog can help reduce the swelling and thickness of the tip of the nose during the healing process. Taping as well as sleeping with your head elevated can also help speed things along. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

I use kenalog to prevent unwanted scarring.  It shouldn't be used for swelling, but in some cases where there is excess fullness, this is scarring that is trying to form.  Kenalog prevents the scarring from forming and helps decrease the fullness in these areas.  This is why it is so important to follow up with your rhinoplasty surgeon.  I tell patients I can give about 10-15% better results if they come for post op visits. Best of luckDr Rodman

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, Kenalog injections are frequently done in patients with thick skin to reduce the swelling in the tip.  The Kenalog injections are managing the soft tissue envelope framework of the nose , and are just as important as the surgery itself.  That is why follow-up appointments with your surgeon are very important

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Beautyphull, Kenalog injections can help the final result by reducing the swelling in the tissue that covers the cartilage and bony framework of the nose. Some surgeons perform the injections routinely after rhinoplasty and others like myself will perform injections case specific. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Do Kenalog injections after rhinoplasty reduce the swelling?

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