Can rhinoplasty help with cartilage damage from steroid injection after a bad filler reaction in nose? (photos)

It is difficult to assess without a physical examination if your concerns are related to cartilage and structural issues or issues related to the skin and soft tissue of the nose.  It is unlikely that steroid injections will cause damage to the normal cartilage of the nose; however, fillers can have the complication of damaging the blood supply to the nose.  Steroid injections can have the complication of damaging the soft tissue.  Rhinoplasty should be able to address these concerns.  

I would avoid any surgery on your nose under any circumstances.  You should leave everything alone and let the inflammation subside.  You don’t mention how long it has been since the injections.  Use makeup to cover the redness and wait at least six months.  The redness may respond to laser treatment but it’s too soon to do that.  You might want to have a trial of laser treatment to a small spot before doing the entire nose.

Dear Odessa,I am sorry to hear about your experienceThe steroid injection (most likely) caused thinning of the skin which can sometime be temporaryA rhinoplasty can be used to fix that issue, but please see a rhinoplasty specialist or someone who regularly performs this procedure with nice outcomesIt is a very challenging yet rewarding procedureBest regards,

Dr. Nima

Member, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Board Certified in Head and Neck Surgery

Hi Odessa,Sorry to hear about your terrible experience.  A rhinoplasty will correct the nasal deformity that resulted from your filler and steroid injections.  Healthy cartilage from your nasal septum (center divider of the nasal passages), ear, or rib will be used to return your nose to your aesthetic goal.  The most important aspect of your rhinoplasty is making sure that you choose your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully based on their skill, knowledge, care, experience, and natural artistic vision.  There are many excellent rhinoplasty surgeons, a few that I would recommend Dr. Ari Hyman (Los Angeles), Dr. Dean Toriumi (Chicago), and Dr. Steven Pearlman (NYC)Good luck and be well.Dr. PEncino, CA

Thank you for your photos. Atrophy or skin damage from steroid shots are not uncommon and they are usually temporary. The body will gradually restore the collagen in that area over several months. In some cases this is not enough. If there is a small contour abnormality within the dermal skin itself, you may be better treated with subcision and filler placement within the skin. If the contour abnormality is due to the structures below the skin, then a rhinoplasty may be better suited for your case. It is best to have an in-office evaluation to determine the best treatment for your nose. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question. I'm sorry that you're going through this. The short answer is that, yes, a rhinoplasty can help this. The main goals of an evaluation with you would be to determine 1) what kind of damage was done and 2) then how to fix it. If you've never had surgery on your nose, this should be relatively straight forward as long as you pick someone who is experienced in revision rhinoplasty work. If you're having trouble breathing through your nose, make sure you mention it to your doctor because they can almost always fix that at the same time that the aesthetics are fixed. Good luck!

Hi and thank you for your question,
Filler related issues on and around the nose can be very complex.  A complete evaluation with timing of events and assessment of before and after photographs is critical.  In general, rhinoplasty can address your concerns.  However, you should first be evaluated by a fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty before moving forward with any additional treatments.  If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me or my office.
Hope this helps and good luck,

John Frederick, MD

Dear Odessa199, An in office evaluation would need to be performed to discuss the current issues that you are seeing from the filler reaction and steroid injection. During the examination a diagnosis will be made as to whether this is cartilage damage or soft tissue damage. Once there is a proper diagnosis a surgical plan can be put in place to help restore the aesthetic appearance to your nose. Seek consultations with experts in the field to discuss your options. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

It is possible or steroid injections to damage normal tissue. The question for you is whether the changes are in the cartilage or the overlying soft tissue. Either can be treated but you need to be evaluated by a rhinoplasty specialist.