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

Question

I am not a fan of medicines/tablets and take them extremely rarely. Considering a rhinoplasty in the near future and have a low pain threshold. How many and what medicines should i expect to take after the surgery and for how long. thanks

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @sweet_lavendar. Every surgeon has different recommendations. I prescribe 4 medications. Mupirocin ointment (applied in each nostril twice a day starting 5 days before surgery and 7 days post op), Augmentin (5 day course starting morning or surgery), Medrol dose pack (6 day course starting the morning after surgery for swelling), and Norco (short dose of pain killers for breakthrough pain). I hope this was helpful!

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can understand from your question.I must say that your doctor will determine the medicines you will use and their duration.If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best regards!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We prescribe 3 doses of antibiotic, an anxiolytic, a narcotic (largely unnecessary without packing), and an anti-nausea medication. If someone is vehemently against taking an antibiotic, typically to avoid GI side effects, we let it go. If your surgeon uses nasal packing, antibiotic may be necessary. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Timothy Ortlip, MD · Answer

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

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. After the surgery, I prescribe my patients an antibiotic called Augmentin and a painkiller called Arveles. These medications are taken for 5 days. Antibiotic is prescribed to prevent infection and painkiller also helps with the swelling as much as the pain.  This is a standard procedure for every surgery. Please make sure not to take any blood thinning medication such as aspirin before and after your surgery. You should only take the medication your surgeon prescribes you. Good luck.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Ever since I stopped using nasal packing after rhinoplasty the level of post op discomfort (don't like to use the word "pain") has gone down significantly. Other medications we prescribe are antibiotics for 24 hours, which is the latest evidence based recommendation, and Arnica Montana, a homeopathic medication to reduce bruising. If you still have pain the day after surgery, studies have also shown that most patients get equal pain relief from a combination of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Advil.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

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.

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Rhinoplasty does not usually cause any significant pain, more of discomfort. Therefore, most patients do not take any painkillers or only take them for a few days.
Best wishes,

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

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