Can I have a steroid injection right in the very tip of my nose after rhinoplasty?

Steroid injection in the early postoperative period can be helpful with certain inflammatory or scaring processes. However there are side effects associated with too frequent or too much steroids injections too. As far as the stiffness of the tip, it is too early at 6 weeks to judge, but one has to remember that most cartilage grafting rhinoplasty techniques will add some long term stiffness to the tip, probably in return for the improved form and function of the new nose. 

It is possible to get steroid injection in the nasal tip itself and certainly help reduce the swelling.  The amount used for this has to be small 1-2 mg of Kenalog only.RegardsDr. J

steroid injections can be used to decrease swelling and minimize the amount of scar tissue in the tip of the nose following rhinoplasty. This should be done judiciously, and only in cases where scar tissue may compromise final results with regard to shape of the nose. It is normal for the tip to be firm temporarily, and steroids are not indicated just for firmness.  Best regards. 

Dear holiday81,



It is possible to inject steroid into the tip of the nose, but it has to be very very cautious. Too much steroid there could thin the skin and even cause erosion if there is tension on that skin tip.





I hope this has been helpful.





Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Recovering from rhinoplasty is a healing process. Part of that process is waiting for swelling to go away. The tip of the nose is the last area to settle down. The swelling on one side may go away at different rates. Persistent swelling in a single area may be improved with a steroid injection. These injections should be performed very judiciously. Too much steroid can cause atrophy (shrinking of the tissue). Thinned skin or divots are difficult to fix. I use steroids for specific situations. For most patients it is better to be on the conservative side and a allow swelling to go away on its own. Safety comes first.