Is a Kenalog injection for a normal swollen nose tip beneficial in any way?

The use of injectable steroids may not be advisable for the treatment of normal nasal swelling after rhinoplasty, even in those with thick and oily nasal skin. All swelling reduces in time, and follow-up visits with your surgeon may be helpful and reassuring for you. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Although Kenalog injections may diminish swelling short term the primary use, as stated by your surgeon,  is to limit excessive subcutaneous scarring in the tip.  Discuss use of a retinoid with your surgeon to help with your oily skin.  Regards.Dr. Kiener

Hi and thank you for your great question! Kenalog injections can be very effective in appropriate patients with prolonged tip swelling as a result of open rhinoplasty. Although it is meant to break down or loosen up scar tissue, it is an anti-inflammatory agent and can therefore reduce tissue edema/fluid as well. Generally speaking, I only use Kenalog injections to the tip in primary rhinoplasties after 6 months (6-9 months), in order to give adequate time for the healing process (which can take up to 1 year) to do its thing prior to adding another intervention. In revision cases or cases with some propensity to develop scar tissue in that area (if you have reduced a nose significantly and created deadspace that needs to be obliterated before it turns to scar) I will be a little more aggressive and earlier in my intervention with Kenalog injections. There are certainly risks involved with Kenalog injections to the nose in a post operative patient, as others have corrected pointed out. Ultimately, talking to your surgeon is the best way to figure out an adequate follow-up plan and to alleviate your concerns. Hope that helped! Best, Dr. Roy.