Nose appears swollen but is soft, should I consider steroid injections? 3 years post op

Question

I got a rhinoplasty in2021. I loved my nose straight out the cast. I had edema in my radix but that resolved. As time went on, the bridge of my nose began to appear swollen, some days are better than others.When I press down on my nose, the skin is soft and moves according to my finger pressing on it. My Dr inTurkey recommended getting steroid injections of at least 3-4 mg. The doctor I went to in the US did not think it was swelling bc it’s Soft but my nose did improve. Pls lmk your thoughts!

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

This is appears to be a "pollybeak deformity" usually related to persistent edema and inadequate filling of dead space in the supratip area. I would recommend seeing a board certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery) surgeon with experience in rhinoplasty. You may need a revision rhinoplasty to obtain the outcome you are seeking.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. At three years postop, there can still be some swelling, but based on the pictures you may need a revision if you want further refinement. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

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

Best wishes and good luck.

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

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

That is polybeak deformity due under-resected septum near the tip and a poorly supported tip. Further, the part of the bridge near your face, the bony portion, has been over-resected. You'll need a surgery with rib cartilage graft to rebuild your nose.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have fullness in your bridge just above the tip. This is called the supra tip. Before considering revision rhinoplasty surgery, a Kenalog 10 injection may be considered for reducing puffiness above your tip. Wishing you well. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Charbel Medawar, MD · Answer

Steroids after 3 years doesn't do much for your swelling. Also Swelling that much far postoperatively is rare, however some studies show residual edema especially in open structure rhinoplasty when lymphatics are cuts.

Nose appears swollen but is soft, should I consider steroid injections? 3 years post op

Answers (6)