Why are Surgeons Against Topical Steroids After Rhinoplasty?

Question

Why usually the experts say that nothing will thin the skin in rhinoplasty, when i can see by myself that steroids do thin the skin? Why most of them against topical steroid?

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

There is no real role for topical steroids after rhinoplasty in that they may cause long-term dermal thinning and telangiectasia.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Yes, topical steroid will, with chronic use, cause thinning of the skin. This skin atrophy is definitely not something you want to see on the face, though. A secondary effect of using prolonged topical steroids is telangiectasias (prominent blood vessels). It's for these reasons that the experts don't recommend topical steroid use after rhinoplasty.

	It is more common to inject steroid under the skin after rhinoplasty to help with treating thick scar or tissue edema.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Topical steroids (i.e.creams and ointments) don't really have a role in shaping skin after rhinoplasty.  Injection of steroids deep under the skin can help thin skin

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

Like any medication side effects should be weighed aginst the benefits from the medications. If swelling is minimal and has no effect on the end result avoiding them would be wise. Skin thinning broken blood capillaries and other systemic effects could be a result of steroid use.

	 

	Good luck!

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm not against patients using a topical steroid after Rhinoplasty but it's not going to penetrate through the skin and stop post op scar formation after Rhinoplasty like kenalog injections....so what's the point. In fact, continmued use of a topical steroid can cause unusual thinning of the skin.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

As Dr Lamperti said, atrophy of the nasal skin after the use of topical steroids is not a good look.  On the other hand,Injections of steroids will decrease unwanted fullness  in some cases.

Why are Surgeons Against Topical Steroids After Rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

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