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Facial Plast Surg 2018; 34(01): 009-013
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1617420
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Use of 5-Fluorouracil for Management of the Thick-Skinned Nose

Leslie E. Irvine
1   Santa Barbara Plastic Surgery Center, Santa Barbara, California
,
Paul S. Nassif
2   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
3   Private Practice, Nassif MD Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, California
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Patients with a thick nasal skin and soft tissue envelope can have unpredictable results and irregular scarring after rhinoplasty surgery. These patients typically have sebaceous tissue over the nasal tip and are particularly susceptible to soft tissue polly beak formation and excess scar tissue in the radix, tip, and septum. Targeted injections of 5-fluorouracil alone or mixed with low concentrations of steroid can be useful to prevent and treat excess postoperative scar tissue deposition. Ideally, four to six injections are performed every 1 to 4 weeks beginning 1 week postoperatively. The injections are most beneficial when performed within the first 3 months after surgery. Even a single injection may improve outcomes with minimal side effects.

Keywords

rhinoplasty - thick skin - 5-fluorouracil - polly beak