Is It Safe and Advisable to Take Lasix After Rhinoplasty?

Lasix is a diuretic that has a low risk of side effects but it is not without complications. Its use is traditionally to promote evacuation of fluid in the treatment of congestive heart failure. To the best of my knowledge it is not a standardized therapy in the management of facial swelling.

I love the medical info/reeducation from Dr Aldea. But the question here is should you follow your surgeon's protocol after a rhinoplasty or not? It is not whether I or the other expert posters know what is best for you. You MUST follow the treating surgeon's advise, protocol, post operative plans. He has examined, operated upon, and provided care for you - we are just internet responders to guide you but we should NEVER go against the advise of the treating surgeon. The issue is a medical ethical one. Please discuss with the treating surgeon.

From MIAMI DR. B

Unfortunately, Lasix is the modern equivalent of bleeding, cupping and leeches. In the old says, these techniques were used to drop and patient's blood volume and thereby alleviate swelling and congestive heart failure. Poor George Washington was bled to death in treatments for his "pleurisy"

Lasix is a drug which temporarily poisons the smallest functioning part of the kidney , the ascending tubule of the loop of Henle of the kidney tubules where it stops the normal re-absorption of salt , potassium and water from the filtered fluid in the causing a huge increase in the output of urine (diuresis). Prolonged use of Lasix (Furosemide) is associated with significant losses of sodium, chloride, potassium and body water and other minerals.

Lasix is best used to treat excessive fluid accumulation caused by congestive heart failure, liver or kidney failure but should NOT be used to reduce post-surgical swelling. Doing so affects the fluid and salt balance and can dangerously lower potassium risking potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities, serious metabolic disorders. But, despite all of these risks once the patient stops taking it and drinks, the swelling reappears. Lasix has also been misused to lose weight - it does not really work this way either.

Surgical swelling will subside with time. It will NOT be hastened in with Lasix or other diuretics.