Can kenalog shots still be beneficial 10 years post rhinoplasty?

Question

I have one side of my nose that is more rounded than the other. My guess is that it is residual scar tissue.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

At 10 years, a one-sided rounded area should not automatically be attributed to scar tissue. It could reflect cartilage or bone shape, soft tissue, a mature scar, or normal asymmetry, and these cannot be distinguished from the description alone. Kenalog (triamcinolone) may help selected hypertrophic or actively thickened scar tissue, but it is unlikely to reshape cartilage or bone and is generally less likely to improve a stable contour issue this long after surgery. An unnecessary or overly deep injection can cause skin thinning, a visible depression, telangiectasia, pigment change, or worse asymmetry. Have the area examined and palpated by your operating surgeon or a board-certified facial plastic/plastic surgeon before considering an injection; the exam should also assess your breathing and compare both sides. If the issue is structural, revision may be discussed, but only after the cause and realistic benefit are clear. I would not inject based on an assumption of scar tissue.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If you have very thick skin, then steroid shots could be of some benefit, even 10 years later to help with a poly beak deformity. Best to follow up with your operative surgeon.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Kenalog injections may be considered the first year after rhinoplasty surgery when somebody has swelling in the supratip area. Since you are so far after surgery, I doubt that steroid injections would be helpful at this point. If you like, please consider me asking your question with photographs. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Synthetic corticosteroids injected directly into tissue can have a myriad of effects. But your guess about why your nasal contours are not satisfactory, namely scar tissue, are likely to be wrong. Go get a second opinion.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be best to confirm diagnosis of deep, post-rhinoplasty scar; in person evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in rhinoplasty, should be your next step. If scar is confirmed, Kenalog injection would be the most logical first step.

Bruce B. Kadz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Kenalog is usually effective in the first few months. I doubt they would be effective 10 years out.

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) injections are corticosteroids used to reduce inflammation and soften scar tissue. They are most effective when administered within the first year after rhinoplasty, as scar tissue is still forming and can be more easily modified. At 10 years post-surgery, scar tissue has typically matured and become less responsive to steroid injections. While Kenalog might offer minimal improvement in some cases, it's unlikely to significantly change the shape of your nose after such a long time. I recommend consulting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist who can assess your nose and advise whether a minor surgical revision or alternative treatments would be more effective in addressing the asymmetry.

Can kenalog shots still be beneficial 10 years post rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

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