How can I help avoid fluid retention and swelling?

I recommend you ask your surgeon about the supplements you want to take. The ingredients have to be checked to make sure that they won't interfere with your recovery. Swelling can take up to a year to subside. During this time, you should restrict sodium intake and sleep on your back as much as possible. Lymphatic massage can also help.

Although some supplements are safe, many are not FDA approved and often contain ingredients that should be avoided before and after surgery.  Many supplements can increase bruising and bleeding, increase heart rates and blood pressure, increase blood clotting, etc.  Also, some amount of swelling is necessary for proper healing to occur. I would recommend consulting with your surgeon prior to considering any supplement before, during or after surgery.  

One can control this more that you would expect.Paleo diet for 3 wks before and 2 afterLow sodium diet same durationIV steroids at start of surgery and Medrol dosepak starting day of surgeryHOB at 45 degrees for 72 hrs following surgeryPrevent nausea and thus retching using amend, zofran, clear diet for first day or twoDeep extubation, euvolemic iv fluid use Also, having surgery with  surgeon who uses careful and precise technique also helps.check out recs on my site austinfaceandnose.combtw - you are not a direct pt of mine so these are things you should discuss with your doctor, this is not advice from me to you - just a list of the things i do.