Do I Need Kenalog Post-rhinoplasty? I Have Thick Skin. (photo)

You stated that you had rhinoplasty surgery last week. At this point in your recovery swelling is normal, and can be expected to diminish over time. Perhaps your surgeon is discussing possible steroid injection at some future point in response to your concerns about nasal tip swelling now, but it is too early at this point (and he probably feels the same way). While steroids are helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation, they can also decrease scar tissue, which is why I believe it is wise to delay until you see how much scar is forming. I believe swelling is something that should be allowed to settle on its own, but scar (excessive) is best treated.

Your concern about dent or atrophy is valid, which is why I wait to see if swelling goes down on its own (it usually does). If not, or if it appears as if excessive scar tissue is developing that might compromise my patient's result, then I consider a very minimal dose and very low strength steroid at first, see how the patient's scar tissue responds over 2-8 weeks (different for each patient), and then IF NEEDED, gradually increase the dose and strength until I see the response I want. Too much, too strong, too soon = problems.

Talk to your surgeon and follow his advice! Best wishes!

Swelling this soon after surgery is expected. Before doing invasive injections for swelling one should try the obvious conservative measures like elevation (sleeping with your head on 2 pillows, no head down position even to tie your shoelaces), warm compresses and gentle massage of the sides of the nose. Then you can have your doctor prescribe a tapering dose of solumedrol that is taken as a pill by mouth if those measures do not work.

I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.

My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

The photographs show the result of your rhinoplasty one week after surgery.  I would urge you to, perhaps, hold off on the steroid injection.  In my opinion, it is too soon to draw a conclusion as to how well Nature will handle the swelling.  It is certainly possible that, as time goes on, the swelling will abate itself, and that you will be satisfied.

You see, my concern is that this soon after nasal surgery, if steroid is injected, it may, in fact, slow the "welding" process by which the skin, and other tissues that have been operated on, will occur.  That is a bigger risk than having a bit of swelling for a matter of several weeks or so.

Incidentally, you asked about the "dent/atrophy risk."  That is a good question because, in fact, the steroid does exert its effect by causing atrophy of the fat underneath the skin.  So, if you were to induce a certain fat atrophy, and then Nature goes on to reduce the swelling further, you may well find that there could be a dent or irregularity left. 

This is why I recommend waiting, generally 3-4 months, before considering steroids to help reduce the swelling, particularly for patients with thick skin.  You must give Nature an adequate chance to finish the job.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON