Hi, I had rhinoplasty last week and got the packing out today. The bridge looks great but the tip is very swollen (which I expected; I have thick skin). My Dr. recommended that I get steroid injections (Kenalog?) to reduce the swelling, but I'm worried about the dent/atrophy risk. Is it a must to get the shots or will my body heal the swelling on its own to the same result with more time? How often does atrophy at the injection site occur? I don't want to ruin the results. Thanks!
November 4, 2011
Answer: Steroid Injection after Rhinoplasty
Steroid injections, commonly Kenalog, are very common after rhinoplasty surgery. The steroid helps reduce swelling and scarring and further refine the nose, which is expected after nasal surgery. Not every patient requires or would benefit from steroid injection. Patients with thick skin are more likely to need steroid treatment, since thick skin patients more likely develop scar tissue after rhinoplasty, as compared to thin skin patients.
Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Some plastic surgeons will inject a little steroid the first week after surgery, whils some cosmetic surgeons prefer to wait a few months before injecting anything. The steroid concentration and timing of injection decision is made based on his/her professional judgement. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.
Dr. Chaboki
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 4, 2011
Answer: Steroid Injection after Rhinoplasty
Steroid injections, commonly Kenalog, are very common after rhinoplasty surgery. The steroid helps reduce swelling and scarring and further refine the nose, which is expected after nasal surgery. Not every patient requires or would benefit from steroid injection. Patients with thick skin are more likely to need steroid treatment, since thick skin patients more likely develop scar tissue after rhinoplasty, as compared to thin skin patients.
Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Some plastic surgeons will inject a little steroid the first week after surgery, whils some cosmetic surgeons prefer to wait a few months before injecting anything. The steroid concentration and timing of injection decision is made based on his/her professional judgement. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a rhinoplasty surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.
Dr. Chaboki
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
September 27, 2016
Answer: Concerned about steroid injections in nose mentioned 1 week post rhinoplasty
You are only 1 week after a rhinoplasty which is extremely early to be considering a steroid injection. It can take up to a year for the swelling of the tip to maximally subside. You are rightfully concerned about the steroid injection and the irreversible consequences of its usage. In my personal opinion, it is far too early to consider using it in short order (though every one has their own opinion). It is very rare in my practice that I would be injecting steroids in the nose for the very reasons that you enumerated. If they are to be used, in many situations it may be better to wait 6 months or more before seriously considering employing this option.
Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
September 27, 2016
Answer: Concerned about steroid injections in nose mentioned 1 week post rhinoplasty
You are only 1 week after a rhinoplasty which is extremely early to be considering a steroid injection. It can take up to a year for the swelling of the tip to maximally subside. You are rightfully concerned about the steroid injection and the irreversible consequences of its usage. In my personal opinion, it is far too early to consider using it in short order (though every one has their own opinion). It is very rare in my practice that I would be injecting steroids in the nose for the very reasons that you enumerated. If they are to be used, in many situations it may be better to wait 6 months or more before seriously considering employing this option.
Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful