Can I Use Corticosteroid on the Nose for a Small Reduction?

Without a consultation or photos it is difficult to access your nasal contour issues.  It is possible that your tip contains a lot of cartilage or is bulbous and your plastic surgeon mentioned an "open" approach where he would "peel back the skin from the tip" of your nose.  Topical or injectable steroids would not correct this issue and would probably make the skin thinner.  An open rhinoplasty, in my hands, is the best way to correct a bulbous nasal tip with excision, grafting and suture contouring techniques.  Some surgeons claim they can correct the bulbous tip with a closed technique, however, I'm happier with my results with the open approach.  Hope that helps.  Dr. Shaw

 

 

Using corticosteroids in place of a rinoplasty is irresponsible and can result in difficult reconstructive problems.  Your skin does not have to be peeled back, this is called an open rhinoplasty and is associated with higher risks and prolonged recovery.  I prefer to use closed rhinoplasty which uses only access inside the nostrils.

 

All the best,

 

Rian A. Maercks M.D.

Topical and injectible steroids have a specific purpose and are not to be used for a nasal reduction or in the place of surgery.   They affect the skin and subcutaneous tissue or scar tissue, and will have no positive effect on the underlying structure of your nose and can do significant damage to your tissues if used improperly.

 

 

Using topical corticosteroid on the nose will not give you a smaller nose or reduce the size of your tip. Steroid injections after surgery can help reduce soft tissue or post-operative scar when used judiciously by your surgeon. Steroid injections are not used in place of a rhinoplasty, and will not reshape or reduce your tip cartilage. There are also risks to steroid injections such as uneven depressions, hypopigmentation, and thinning of the skin.

Cortisone is not for cartilage reduction of the nose. The small amount of reduction can be done closed but requires surgery.