Triamcinolone acetonide for aesthetic refinement in rhinoplasty for patients with thick skin: the FAN technique ‒ a pilot study.

[OBJECTIVES] Rhinoplasty outcomes can be affected by thick nasal skin, leading to prolonged swelling, delayed healing, and scarring. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) administered via the Fine Administered Needle (FAN) technique to improve aesthetic outcomes in thick-skinned rhinoplasty patients.

[METHODS] This pilot study included patients aged ≥18 with confirmed thick nasal skin who underwent rhinoplasty followed by TA injection using the FAN technique. A single subcutaneous injection at the nasal tip ensured optimal distribution. Swelling was assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire.

[RESULTS] The study included 17 patients with thick nasal skin (mean age 28.9-years; 58.8% female; 76.5% primary operations). ROE scores showed significant improvement, increasing from 16 (IQR4) to 22 (IQR2) by the third visit (p < 0.001). VAS scores for swelling decreased significantly in the infratip, tip-defining point, and supratip areas (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant demographic differences. The procedure had a favorable safety profile with no major adverse effects or lasting complications.

[CONCLUSION] TA injection via the FAN technique is a promising adjunctive treatment for optimizing postoperative outcomes in thick-skinned rhinoplasty patients. This approach effectively reduces swelling, enhances nasal contouring, and improves patient satisfaction while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up are warranted to validate these findings.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Level 4.