My PS nurse said I can't use Afrin Nasal Spray the week of my Breast Augmentation surgery. Is this true?

Question

I am having breast implant surgery in 4 days and I have a cold with a lot of sinus congestion. My general practitioner prescribed Afrin for 3 days for help sleeping and to relieve sinus pressure. but my surgery nurse said it's a "thinner" and I can't take it the week of my surgery. Is the nurse is just being over cautious? I have a hard time believing that if I stop Afrin on Saturday it will still be in my system on Tuesday morning. Is there a different decongestant I could consider? Thanks!

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am unaware of any issues related to the use of Afrin with breast augmentation surgery.  If you have further questions, best to specifically address this with your surgeon directly.

Avron Lipschitz, MD · Answer

There is no reason not to use Afrin after breast augmentation. It is safe. Please discuss with your plastic surgeon.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

It is best to address this question with your PS. If you have a cold-- you have to inform your Surgeon ASAP to avoid any post-op complications.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. In 29 years of private practice, I have never told my patients to stop using Afrin because of the increased risk of bleeding. If told to do so by your surgeon, then you really should follow your surgeon's advice. Good luck

Michelle J. Place, MD · Answer

Afrin is a great decongestant and will certainly make you feel better to alleviate your symptoms before surgery.  Afrin is not a blood thinner and you should not have any problems using it around surgery.  Allergy medication such as Claritin, zyrtec and allegra are also not blood thinners and can be used for symptom relief.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

I know of no reason to need to stop the Afrin, other than maybe the day before surgery because of possible effects on blood pressure.

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

I'm not sure why you can't use Afrin before a breast augmentation however, before going out and doing so, I recommend confirming with your plastic surgeon about the reasons why they say you can't.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

While letting your plastic surgeon know about all medications you are on including prescription and OTC medications, Afrin has no effect on bleeding and should not be a problem for your up coming surgery.  If you develop a fever and productive cough this is another story.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is always a good idea to review medications with your doctor or his staff to make sure what is allowable prep and post-op.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

If in doubt about the advice/instructions you have received, always best to ask for clarification from your own plastic surgeon, as opposed to online consultants. Best wishes with your upcoming procedure.

My PS nurse said I can't use Afrin Nasal Spray the week of my Breast Augmentation surgery. Is this true?

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Answers (13)

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