Do steroid injections change the final result? Or only speed up the healing period? (post-op rhinoplasty)

Steroid injections to the nasal tip after rhinoplasty are an excellent tool to bring down swelling and refine the nasal tip. I do this quite often. If a patient has swelling in the tip that is excessive at three months I will start injections and usually do a total of three a month apart each. Different surgeons have their own regimen.

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to go over your desired results. Facial fillers like Voluma, Restylane, and Juvederm along with Botox can be used to improve the symmetry of the nose and lift the tip; however, it won't make the nose appear smaller. Surgery would be needed to improve the nostrils or overall shape. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

In our practice, steroid injections are only used after rhinoplasty to treat swelling above the nasal tip - in the supratip. This may accelerate resolution of swelling, but it is not clear whether it would effect the final result. I don't think it does affect a final result, but it may get our patients there a bit sooner. Great question. Dr Joseph