Are Hyperbaric Oxygen or Laser Therapy effective treatments to reduce rhinoplasty swelling in thick skinned patients?

In my experience, the best thing for post operative swelling, especially in thick skinned patients, is strict adherence to postop protocol. This includes postoperative taping and sleeping upright for at least two weeks after surgery. Swelling will go away with time and your surgeon may perform steroid or 5-FU injections in the first few months to accelerate the process. Every patient is different so it’s important to keep up with all follow up appointments after rhinoplasty and steroid shots may be offered as early 6 weeks post op.
Hyperbaric oxygen is useful in scenarios where there are some wound healing challenges or vascularity issues. Laser therapy can sometimes help reduce skin irregularities or redness, but it won’t affect the thickness of the skin after rhinoplasty.

Isotretinoin, or Accutane, Shouldn't prescribed by a dermatologist. It is helpful for acne and for decreasing sebaceous glands that are often seen in people's nasal tip skin. Laser treatments may be considered for rhinophyma. I am not aware of hyperbaric oxygen for treating thick skin. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Hello and thank you for your question. I don’t find hyperbaric oxygen overly helpful for my patients. I don’t ever recommend laser treatment. That can be very damaging to the nose. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon