Kenalog injection for cartilage - would it help?

Hello and thank you for your question. A Steroid injection would not have any effect on cartilage. A revision would be the best option for this. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

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

Answer from Dr. Sean Hill, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Lone Star Plastic Surgery in Frisco, TX:
Steroid injections, such as Kenalog (triamcinolone), can be very effective after rhinoplasty — but only in specific situations. They are typically used to reduce post-operative swelling, scar tissue, or small areas of firmness under the skin. However, if the bump you’re noticing is true cartilage or bone, a steroid injection will not dissolve or reshape it.
It can be difficult to tell whether a post-op irregularity is due to swelling, scar tissue, or residual cartilage — especially within the first 6–12 months after surgery. This is why a careful in-person exam is essential before considering any treatment.
If the bump is small and due to thickened soft tissue or scarring, a steroid injection may help smooth the contour. But if it’s confirmed to be cartilage or bone, revision surgery is typically the only way to truly correct it.
At Lone Star Plastic Surgery, I always evaluate these cases thoroughly to determine the exact cause and ensure any treatment is appropriate and safe. And as always, be sure your surgeon is board-certified and a member of The Rhinoplasty Society, which ensures advanced training and expertise in managing both primary and revision rhinoplasty.
Warmly,Dr. Sean HillBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonLone Star Plastic Surgery – Frisco, TX