Topical steroids to reduce skin thickness after rhinoplasty - are there any adverse effects?

Hello and thank you for your question. The final results take at least 1.5 years for the swelling to fully resolve. This can require lots of patience and waiting. Steroid injections performed by your surgeon can be extremely helpful. I usually start steroid injections around 1 to 2 months after surgery and continue as needed. With that being said, the final outcome will really depend on the surgical techniques that your surgeon used during your surgery. I recommend that you maintain close follow up with your surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

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

Yes, we frequently use injection of corticosteroid into nasal tip, usually supratip area where swelling is most intense and leaves permanent deformity if not treated. However, this should be done only by your surgeon since extended use of corticosteroids may have negative effect like skin thinning, dimpling, discoloration. Good luck.