1 year post rhinoplasty. Will steroid injections help target slight asymmetry and reduce residual fullness?

Question

Hi all! My previous question was related to the residual fullness ( swelling? Scare tissue?) I have in the tip of my nose being 1 year out from rhinoplasty. I talked to my surgeon over a zoom meeting and he said I could come on in for a steroid shot. I've seen a lot of doctors say steroid shots prove useless past 6 months post op. What are your thoughts about me getting them? Will the steroids help with the slight asymmetry of the tip of my nose and help reduce the fullness?

Ahmet Alp, MD · Answer

It depends on what technique and method your doctor used. But it is not the right approach to say that steroids will not work after 6 months.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

Steroid shots can help decrease subcutaneous tissue by tissue atrophy. This should only be done by well trained plastic surgeon that frequently operate on the nose and have adequate knowledge / experience in this type of surgery. Best of luck

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you may not be a good candidate for nasal steroid injections. Since you appear to have somewhat oily skin, it may take over a year to see your final nasal tip result. Nice nose! Dr Joseph

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your question. Steroid shots are helpful in the postoperative period during the phase of inflammation. There is a downside as well, and that is dissolving some of the subcutaneous fat resulting in a small depressed area. After most of the swelling is gone and there is no variation between the morning and evening , steroid injections are not helpful and may be counterproductive.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! I do believe that steroid shots even after 6 months can help. Swelling at the tip in particular can take past 12 months to refine itself. In the interim, as long as done carefully, steroids encourage the skin to contract around the underlying structure. This, and taping with compressions, helps to refine the tip. Hope this helps!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Great posted photos! I recommend using both steroids and HA fillers to correct swelling and asymmetry. fee $1,000. Best to virtual consult with...

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Rhinoplasty is quite a traumatic procedure, as the skin and soft tissues are stripped from the underlying nasal bones and cartilages, and the nasal bones are broken. As a result, the soft tissue swelling will initially be intense and will last up to 18-24 months after the procedure, with swelling of the nasal tip being notorious for taking the longest time to resolve. 
While injectable steroids may reduce swelling, it may result in pigmentary change in the skin about the injection site. I wouldn't rush into it.
Allow healing to be completed. It may take a bit more time. If the fullness persists after the tip softens, a tip revision may be indicated. 15% of cosmetic surgeries may be improved through a secondary touch up procedure.
Best wishes...

1 year post rhinoplasty. Will steroid injections help target slight asymmetry and reduce residual fullness?

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