Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,003 Reviews
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,053 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

Can Diuretic Pills and Cold Sprays Relieve Rhinoplasty Swelling?

asked 3 years ago by May london in London, england
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 808 times
Tags: nose, swelling

I came across some tablets called Aqua Ban that are intended for pre-menstrual water retention. They promise to get rid of excess fluids all over the body. What can such pills do for the nasal tip after surgery (I refer to the entire class of diuretics, not just the ones named above)? Also, there are some sprays that freeze the body when used and some claim to reduce swelling. Given that ice packs are too heavy to place on the nose soon after Rhinoplasty surgery and may deform it, can these sprays be used as alternatively? Thank you in advance.

3 answers to Can Diuretic Pills and Cold Sprays Relieve Rhinoplasty Swelling?

+2

I don't recommend these. Follow your surgeon's advice.

Cold sprays applied to the nose, particularly after open rhinoplasty and especially after revision rhinoplasty, are a really bad idea. At best, they won't change the swelling much, but at worst, they carry a greatly increased risk of killing the skin at the nasal tip by further reducing the blood supply. As for diuretics, this is also a big no-no immediately after surgery. The last thing a patient needs to be doing after rhinoplasty (or any cosmetic surgery...and most other surgeries), is taking more
David C. Pearson, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diuretics and Cold Sprays

Avoid both of these products after your nasal surgery. Diuretics should not be taken casually because of their effect on electrolytes in your body. I don't want to be dramatic, but a potassium imbalance can interfer with heart contraction. Cold sprays would constrict blood vessels in skin with compromised circulation after the surgery. Please listen to your surgeon who probably has years of training and experience. It is wonderful that you plan to be a conscientious, but you probably... more
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Avoid duretics and cold sprays after rhinoplasty.

Hi! Both of these products are a bad idea. You don't need them, and they are potentially dangerous. After a gently performed rhinoplasty, swelling naturally fades. In New York, we tell our patients to keep their head elevated, to avoid any activity that makes the blood rush to the face (like bending down), and to apply cold for 48 hours. Some ice chips inside a rubber glove do not put excessive pressure on your new nose.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question