Is it okay to apply coconut oil after rhinoplasty?

Question

How soon is okay to apply coconut oil on rhinoplasty incision, do the stitches need to be removed first or a few days after surgery is fine for better results?

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

After rhinoplasty, I recommend that patients wash the incision gently with half strength peroxide and then apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to the incisions. Antibiotic ointment is not necessary and can potentially cause skin irritation. Once the sutures are out and the incision has completely healed over with new skin, then I recommend sunscreen to the incision in the morning (even if it is cloudy or you are staying indoors) with moisturizer to the incision at night. If you want to use coconut oil, that is fine. However, I would not start until there has been complete coverage of the incisions with new skin.

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

First, always consult your surgeon about particulars for each individual case.In general, nose job scars heal incredibly well if closed well by your surgeon at the time of surgery. I have not found the need for any particular scar cream in order for my patients to have excellent scar outcomes. That being said, you should not apply any scar management creams, including coconut oil, until the sutures have been removed and the skin has healed over. Good luck!

Mark Been, MD · Answer

The answer will be surgeon-dependent. I routinely keep the nasal incision covered with tape for one week after surgery, so I see no need for adjunct treatment before then. I do not routinely recommend topical treatments because this is a generally well-healing incision. Be sure to ask your surgeon. Good luck!

Jeremy B. White, MD · Answer

Ask your surgeon about particular postoperative care. In general, I tell my patients not to put any non-antibiotic creams on wounds until the wound is fully closed and the sutures are out.

Is it okay to apply coconut oil after rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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