What are the common medications prescribed right after rhinoplasty (I'm not a fan & take medicines rarely)?

What medication’s are commonly taken in the post rhinoplasty period? most surgeons prescribe a limited amount of narcotic pain med such as hydrocodone in the postoperative period. Interestingly, nine out of 10 patients say they didn’t need it and never took it or only took it the first day. Most patients take Tylenol instead if anything. So I would have some Tylenol on hand. Some surgeons prescribe an antibiotic for the first few days postop if your surgeon prescribes these you should take them, since preventing infection is far easier than treating it if it should occur. Some people get nauseated from pain medication‘s so in some patients I prescribe sublingual Zofran which is extremely effective as an anti-emetic. Some people get constipated from narcotic pain meds so an over the counter stool softener such as Colace should be taken to avoid this, since straining after rhinoplasty may cause bleeding. It is important also to know what you avoid. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Advil, Motrin, and aspirin, etc. can cause bleeding and can stay in the system for 10 to 14 days. So these medication should be avoided for approximately two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. some supplements can also cause bleeding so you should read and pay attention to the list that your surgeon will provide you of over-the-counter supplements that must be avoided to avoid bleeding.

Thanks for your question! It is totally reasonable to not want to take any extra or unnecessary medications. Some of the common medications prescribed after rhinoplasty include:
1. Antibiotics- The nose is a contaminated place in everyone and there is nothing we can do to fully sterilize it. For more in-depth nasal surgeries, I do prescribe antibiotics to mitigate any risk for infection. The nose is the centerpiece of the face, so any infection in that area could be devastating to the facial appearance. So far I have not had any major adverse reactions to the post operative antibiotics I have been prescribing. 5-7 days.
2. Steroid dose pack - In my practice this is optional and usually reserved for patients who have alot of swelling. In general this is a standard pack of 5 days.
3. Abx OIntment- This is just a topical ointment used for incisions usually 3-7 days after surgery
4. Arnica Montana - This is an herbal supplement that you can find over the counter to help reduce swelling. Can take from 1 week prior to surgery to several weeks after surgery.
5. Pain medications: A low level narcotic is usually required for 3-5 days after surgery. This may also vary if there are osteotomies. In general most of my patients are off narcotics by day 3 and switch to tylenol and or Ibuprofen.
Hopes this helps!
Dr. Ortlip