Will taking magnesium make my nose swell after rhinoplasty?

Question

I had rhinoplasty 8 months ago and the swelling is still pretty bad. I want to start taking magnesium tablets for muscle cramps and anxiety but am worried the sodium might make the swelling in my nose worse, is this possible?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. Magnesium does have swelling properties that will make you have a small amount of edema. You want to have that conversation with your plastic surgeon because he/she will have specific instructions on what they want you to do. If you feel that your questions are not being addressed you want to follow up with a Board-certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear holiday81,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question. 
After rhinoplasty, especially open rhinoplasty nasal swelling can persist of upwards of 6-12 months. A diet rich in sodium can result in persistent swelling. To be frank, I have never heard of Magnesium tablets containing enough sodium to cause persistent swelling and if your physician is recommending them for a medical reason then I would go ahead and take the magnesium tablets. The swelling will eventually resolve on its own with time.

I hope this answers your question. Thank you!

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Following nasal surgery, particularly open rhinoplasty, you can experience swelling of the skin of your nose. It tends to slowly improve over the first year following surgery, but salty foods (among other things) can make it get worse for short periods of time. If your doctor has recommended the magnesium for cramping, then you should do it. It probably won't affect your nose at all, but if it does it would only be temporary. You can always stop if it becomes a problem.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Holiday81, I would suggest that you discuss your post operative protocol with your surgeons office and get clearance for any medications if you have any concerns. My personal opinion is that the magnesium should not cause any excess swelling that will alter your final results. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

I haven't seen magnesium cause any excess swelling especially at 8 months post op.  Check in with your surgeon regarding your post operative questions.

Will taking magnesium make my nose swell after rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

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