Steroid injections post rhinoplasty - are there any drawbacks? (Photos)

They are destructive, they corrode tissues without control creating additional deformities, plus sometimes typical yellowish skin blemishes are possible.

Unfortunately you are candidate for a revision rhinoplasty, the tip support has been over weakened and is collapsed if compared with the dorsal line, additionally the nose has been over shortened and is upturned. Alae are collapsing the nasal valve due to the same over resection or lack of support, so breathing is not very good for you and you look pinched.

The hump is not completely worked on, not just a little polly beak, I believe the hump has been only partially filed down.

Seek better opinions from good, talented and honest revision rhinoplasty surgeons, your case now is quite diffucult and a lot of neo-structure has to be restored or added, plenty of grafting maneuvers, etc.

I'd ask why they don't wnat you to do steroid injections... but if they can't give you a really good answer, I think it is reasonable to try. However, I would start with a low dose to test it out first. There are drawbacks to steroid injecitons, such as getting a dent or skin thinning/getting pale.

Based on your photos, it's difficult to tell that you had surgery performed. You appear to have a sizable dorsal hump, and a dependent nasal tip that appears to droop. I do not believe you are a candidate for steroid injections. I would strongly suggest getting a second opinion from another reputable rhinoplasty specialist so you could see what your options are moving forward. Unfortunately, I suspect you may request revision rhinoplasty surgery. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

You do have the pollybeak deformity and steroid injections will not be effective. I do not recommend doing steroid injections as they can thin your skin, cause discoloration and when you do finally undergo the revision it will make it more difficult because the skin has been damaged from the injections. You will need a revision rhinoplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. 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

Hello! Thank you for your question. Steroid injections can be a very useful tool for managing persistent soft tissue swelling after rhinoplasty, especially in areas like the supratip where a mild fullness (sometimes referred to as pollybeak appearance) can develop. When used carefully and precisely, they can soften scar tissue, reduce localized swelling, and improve contour without needing surgery. Many experienced surgeons use them selectively for patients who are past the initial healing phase but still have lingering fullness.
That said, there are some potential drawbacks if injections are done improperly. Overuse or placement too superficially can cause skin thinning, pigment changes, or even small depressions in the nasal tissue. For this reason, it’s important that steroid injections are performed by someone experienced in post-rhinoplasty care and nasal anatomy. If your own surgeon isn’t offering them, the safest approach is to seek an experienced plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon who is comfortable with these targeted injections. They can assess your nose in person and determine the optimal dosing and placement to reduce swelling while minimizing risk.
I hope this answers your question. Best of luck!
Justin Buro, M.D.