Have I developed atrophy from steroid injection? (Photo)

Question

In february 2023, I underwent a primary rhinoplasty procedure. The result was great! I managed to find time to go for a follow up in January 2024, almost a year later, where the doctor went ahead and injected cortisone on my nose bridge saying it was still a bit swollen (I didnt think so). A few weeks go by, and I notice a dark patch - like a shadow - forming in that area, with the skin looking slightly deformed. Its May now, and no sign of improvement.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Steroids work extremely well and are very safe in treating post-operative swelling. They should always be injected deep and never superficial into the dermis. Furthermore, the safest place to inject steroids is the Supratip. I rarely ever inject into the dorsum as was done to you. Your surgeon may be able to help with this by injecting a small amount of filler.  I recommend that you see your rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If the injection was performed exactly in the middle of your bridge where you are seeing skin irregularities, this a trophic area could be due to the fact that the Midbridge nasal skin is very thin. Many times, steroid related atrophy gets better on its own, so please do not rush into any procedures. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It could be from the steroid but don’t know for sure. You can use filler injection to fill in the dent or just leave it alone

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you post a complete set of proper before and after pictures to use as a reference in order to help us make an assessment regarding your outcome.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
 if you follow up with your surgeon, then hopefully they took pictures at the same time. They did steroid injection.
Comparing those pictures to what you look like today would be very helpful.
Steroid injections can be helpful, but also come with risk of certain complications like thinning of the skin or fat atrophy.
This may be the case with you.
I suggest you follow up with your provider who did your surgery and the steroid injection.
I generally recommend using caution before injecting steroids because when fat atrophy happens, it can be devastating.
Mostly icy changes in skin texture.
I’m not sure if that is steroid induced fat atrophy or skin changes from the steroid injection.
Having some reference of what you look like before would be very helpful.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Have I developed atrophy from steroid injection? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty out, after steroid injections

Answer: Rhinoplasty out, after steroid injections

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Have I developed atrophy from steroid injection? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty out, after steroid injections

Answer: Rhinoplasty out, after steroid injections

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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