Anti-inflammatory for rhinoplasty swelling?

Dear rakhid,You can obtain many over-the-counter medications to decrease your level of discomfort. As far as swelling is concerned, time is the only anti-inflammatory tablet that exists. Many patients, approximately 10% of all Rhinoplasty patients, experience swelling for five weeks or longer. Remain patient, follow the steps for healing and consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to receive the names of the medicine he/she prefers for relieving your discomfort.

Dear RakhidAt 5 weeks, two things are effective with swelling: avoid direct and indirect sunlight, wear sunblock and baseball cap/hat second is time. Anti-inflammatory tablets have little to no impact at this phase of the inflammatory response. In my view, their risk of side effects such as ulcers outweigh any benefits for reducing nasal swelling. You should follow your surgeons instructions.

Dear Rakhid,



Inflammation acts differently at every
zone of your nose and that is why normally we could see some asymmetrical
zones, and also swelling is an issue in rhinoplasty, because till 1 year the
nose still shrinks. Also tip nose is made of cartilage and subcutaneous areas
and that is why it takes more time to shrinks than the dorsum at the bony area.
After passing 5 weeks no need to take any anti-inflammatory, because they don’t
have any effect on the swelling, because the swelling is not because of any
recent trauma in the area (less than one week, is where inflammatory agent in
your body are acting). Now the process is to nasal lymphatic drainage recirculate
again and let shrink the nose. Massage is helpful.



Best Regards,



Dr. Nabil Fakih

Dear RakhidThanks for the questionMake sure you discussion your questions with your surgeon as it is important to be on the same page during your healingSome surgeons will allow ibuprofen / Naproxen after rhinoplasty to help with swelling and discomfortWe find that that NSAIDS or anti-inflammatory medications can be very effective. Best Wishes during your healing 

You should ask these specific questions of your surgeon. Each surgeon is different in their recommendations, but In general, at five weeks, you should be fine taking whatever medication you need. The anti-inflammatory medication will not reduce the actual swelling from rhinoplasty however. Time is the only thing that will assist in that. Best of luck