Are Kenolog shots common after rhinoplasty?

Question

I am considering getting a closed rhinoplasty and am nervous about the potential for scar tissue build up after the surgery and requiring Kenolog shots to reduce this. Wondering if this is something that ONLY happens with an open rhino or is it more dependent on the person's skin/how they react to the surgery? Also, would the surgeon charge for these shots if they are necessary?

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can understand from your question the scar tissue. The scar tissue is mostly depends the patients skin type. If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Magical833664! This is a great question. Steroid injections after a rhinoplasty may be required whether the procedure was done with an open or closed technique. The thicker the skin the more likely a steroid injection will be useful post-op.  Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Celal Alioglu, MD · Answer

Hello I am doing open piezzo technique of the surgery and scar is placed under the nose do not worry

Michelle Hardaway, MD · Answer

Swelling can last longer in thicker skin after a rhinoplasty.  You did not mention if your nasal skin is thick, medium or thin.  Are you worried about thick scars in the incisions?  Prolonged swelling can last in thick skin whether an open or closed rhinoplasty is performed. I would not suggest Kenalog injections prophylactically but only if scarring occurs.  kenalog is sometimes used to decrease the swelling in the tip of the nose.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi M,
Kenalog shots should be the least of your concerns regarding rhinoplasty.  Your top concern should be making sure that you choose an expert rhinoplasty surgeon.  Scar tissue formation after surgery may occur with either closed or open rhinoplasty.  Most patients do not require Kenalog injections post-operatively.  Your surgeon should not charge you extra for the injections.  Good luck and be well.
Michael A. Persky, MD

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I use kenalog often and I do only closed rhinoplasty.  It works very well to bring down the swelling in the tip. Some surgeons I’m sure use it more than others but it’s quite a common practice

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Kenalog shots after rhinoplasty: Kenalog shots after rhinoplasty may be required whether the procedure was done with an open or closed technique. It depends more on the thickness of skin and the tendency to build up scar tissue in the area just above the tip. It is quite common particularly in those who want to have definition between the bridge of the nose and the tip, and have the maximum definition of the tip itself. The thicker the skin the more likely Kenalog injection will be useful in the postoperative period. I do not charge for the shots but that may vary from one surgeon to the next.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice it's very common to perform multiple kenalog shots for patients since we have a large ethnic rhinoplasty base with  thick skin. We also perform closed rhinoplasty which causes less swelling than open rhinoplasty which is more invasive.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The results after rhinoplasty are usually pleasing after healing is complete (it takes 12-18 months!). There are unusual situations in the postoperative period where swelling may appear excessive to the surgeon's eye (whether performed open or closed). Injectable corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs which will reduce swelling if felt excessive. Its use is not without potential complications. As inflammation is a component of natural healing, its retardation with steroids may make healing time longer. Its use may also be related to irreversible pigmentary changes of the skin or skin thinning or rarely even skin breakdown occurring near the site of injection. I rarely employ it.
The cost of postoperative steroid injections ranges from ~ $0-$50 dollars.
Best wishes...

Are Kenolog shots common after rhinoplasty?

Answers (9)

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