How Does Steroid Injection Work on Thinning Thick Nasal Skin Without Surgery? Is It Safe & Guaranteed? (photo)

Question

I read rhinoplasty for thick vs. thin nasal skin here & that was fair enough. I can tell that I have thick oily nasal skin, mildly protruded nasal tip, & wide bony bridge. What approach & specific appropriate procedure must be done to hav thin-skinned nose with thin bony bridge? Does that involve breaking the bone? & how about if I decide not to go for surgery but have steroid injections to thin out my nasal skin? I greatly appreciate your advice. I am a doctor & can get eplanations u provide.

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

The one thing you can't change in a Rhinoplasty is the skin. When you make the nose smaller, there is extra skin. This skin has to shrink down tk the new nose. Some skin shrinks nicely and other skin shrinks partially or takes 1+ years to do it. That is why thick skin is a limiting factor in Rhinoplasty. Steroid injections help swelling to go away. They do not thin the skin per se. They will not do much before surgery. Probably the only wag tk thin the skin is to do a laser treatment. However I would not recommend laser + open Rhinoplasty. The skin could get injured. 

	Your skin actually looks medium thick. Some cartilage reduction, suture refinement Of the tip and lateral osteotomies would provide a nice and natural result.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

The thickness of your skin can't be changed and is due to genetics. I would strongly advise against the use of a steroid in an attempt to thin out the nasal skin. This has too many negative side affects associated.  You can reduce the width of your bridge by performing osteotomies, or fracturing of the nasal bones. Your nasal tip appears more bulbous than protruding, and a tip refinement would be best in your case. It is very important to be aware that patients with thick skin may not be able to achieve the level of definition they desire. They may also be swollen for a longer period of time following surgery, and it can take longer to see the final result. From here, I would recommend a consult with a board certified surgeon who uses computer imaging software. This will allow you to get an idea of how the final result may appear, and serve as a great communication tool between you and your prospective surgeon. Thank you and I hope this helps!

Andrew Winkler, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty aims to address the underlying skeleton of the nose.  The skin that is then draped over the skeleton determines the final outcome.  Think of throwing a blanket over a statue--the thicker the blanket, the less detail is seen.  Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to change the thickness of the nasal skin.  Steroids that are used after rhinoplasty are very dilute and are meant only to help reduce swelling and scar formation.  Using higher concentrations to thin the skin is definitely not safe. I hope you find this information useful.

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If anyone offers to thin your nasal tip skin non-surgically with steroid injections, "Run Away!" Steroids will result in uneven and unpredictable skin and subcutaneous fat atrophy. The results would be a disaster.

	In order to create a more define nasal tip, most plastic surgeons use an open rhinoplasty approach to reduce, suture, and refine the cartilaginous skeleton. If there is thick skin in the tip area, some of the subcutaneous fat can be removed conservatively.

	In order to thin or narrow the bony bridge of the nose, the nasal bones would have to be broken (osteotomies).

	Sorry, there is no non-surgical way to thin out the nose.

	Thank you for your question and photos. Best of luck!

	 

	Gregory C. Park, M.D.

How Does Steroid Injection Work on Thinning Thick Nasal Skin Without Surgery? Is It Safe & Guaranteed? (photo)

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Answer: Steroid Injections for Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Steroid Injections for Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

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How Does Steroid Injection Work on Thinning Thick Nasal Skin Without Surgery? Is It Safe & Guaranteed? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Steroid Injections for Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Steroid Injections for Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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