Does Ibuprofen Reduce or Cause More Swelling?

Question

I've heard that some people take ibuprofen because it is an anti-inflammatory to help reduce nasal swelling post-op. They don't take it immediately after because of the fact that it may cause bleeding. They take it about 3-4 weeks after surgery. I got my nose done a month and 1 week ago. My tip is still big. I was wondering if I should take some ibuprofen to see if it helps? I won't take it all the time..maybe just when I have a big event coming up and want to look my best. Thanks!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

In general, the following things should be avoided 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your rhinoplasty:

	1) NSAIDS
	2) Vitamin E
	3) Fish oil
	4) Herbal supplements

	As you mentioned, ibuprofen can cause bleeding, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Unfortunately, it will not help decrease swelling 3-4 weeks post-op. The nasal tip is usually the last to come around, and it will take time for the swelling to resolve. It is best to be patient and wait it out. Hyperbaric oxygen can help with swelling, but it is most effective when received closer to your surgery. I would recommend following up with your surgeon and see what they advise to help with swelling.

Yucel Sarialtin, MD · Answer

thank you for your question,
In fact, ibuprofen does not help much to reduce swelling, as other doctors have said here in the forum, the best for these cases is the time. 
good luck!!

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Advil is good for inflammatory swelling, but doesn't really do much for postsurgical swelling. So we don't recommend our patients taking it before or after rhinoplasty.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In general, postsurgical swelling does not respond well to either steroidal or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and we do not recommend using these in our practice. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

That's a reasonable question.  Yes Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory agent however it will not help with your nasal swelling.  The only thing shown to help is time.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

In general, 70% of the swelling is resolved after the first 3 months and the remainder goes down over time. Taking ibuprofen 5 weeks after surgery will not likely result in a significant difference. Swelling takes time to resolve, and it is best to be patient during the healing process. Your surgeon should be able to answer any post-operative questions you have, as they know the details of your surgery and exactly what was performed. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. This is indeed a confusing issue. Generally, surgeons recommend that ibuprofen and NSAIDs be avoided around surgery because they can increase bleeding/bruising. This is because of the effect on platelets (makes them less effective). In terms of swelling, there is little specific benefit. Traditional steroids, like prednisone or methylprednisolone, do reduce swelling to some degree. Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Inflammation is a normal part of the healing process. If ibuprofen as any effect it would be minimal.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

Your swelling a month out from surgery is still surgical swelling. The swelling of the tip takes months to go away. ibuprofen typically may help with swelling slightly in the first 2-3 days after surgery, but many rhinoplasty surgeons avoid it because they worry about bleeding. At this point a month after surgery it's just a waiting game, and week by week you will see the swelling continue to improve!
-David Mattos, Harvard trained plastic surgeon

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

After 5 weeks ibuprofen will not cause major bleeding, as I typically stop it 2 weeks before and after surgery.  On the other hand, there is swelling on the tip and below up until a year after surgery and ibuprofen may not really improve things.  I do give my patients steroids right after their operation. This, and activity restriction and time will allow proper healing and recovery.  Good luck!Kailash Narasimhan, MD

Does Ibuprofen Reduce or Cause More Swelling?

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