This is a really important question for anyone approaching rhinoplasty to ask. Yet probably even more important is “What medicines CAN’T I take before a rhinoplasty?”.

Medicines rhinoplasty patients might be taking fall into 3 categories:-

• Prescription medicines.
• Over the counter preparations.
• Vitamins and herbal extracts.

For a rhinoplasty patient, each group potentially is dangerous before your nose surgery.

Prescription Medicines

Any drugs that thin the blood, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, could mean significant bleeding with nose surgery, both during and after the rhinoplasty. Avoid Cartia (aspirin), Celebrex, Mobic and Voltaren for at least two weeks before and after your rhinoplasty.

Over the counter medicines are especially dangerous as they could promote nose bleeding. Avoid Nurofen, Naprogesic, Ibuprofen and cold remedies such as Codral and Sudafed, for two weeks before and after rhinoplasty.

Vitamins and herbal extracts

Many rhinoplasty patients are unaware of the adverse effects of these agents on nose surgery. Fish Oil and Vitamin E can promote nose bleeding, so avoid these for one week before and after rhinoplasty. Echinacea, Gingko, garlic or ginger tablets are also a problem.

Nose puffers can also promote nose bleeding. Sinex, Drixine and Otrivine are dangerous but Nasonex, Avamys and Rhinocort are fine. Asthma puffers are also OK.

Cigarettes and Alcohol

Cigarette smoking is a risk for nose surgery. Smoking interferes with the blood flow so healing is poorer and infection more likely. This can lead to nose scarring and the need for revision rhinoplasty. The oral contraceptive pill is not a problem itself, but if combined with smoking, a rhinoplasty patient could develop leg clots and possibly even death as the clot passes to the lungs. Smoking also causes coughing on waking up after rhinoplasty surgery. Coughing can lead to bleeding which may mean the nose must be packed with ribbon gauze to stem the nasal bleeding. This could distort the rhinoplasty result.

Alcohol within 48 hours of an anaesthetic could alter the amount of drug the anaesthetist needs to give. Best avoided!

In a special group are Roaccutane and steroids such as Prednisone. Both of these medicines will delay healing to the point where nose surgery is not advisable. Make sure you have been off Roaccutane for six months prior to any nose surgery. Ask your doctor about Prednisone as this varies with the dose.

Remember, rhinoplasty surgery is elective surgery. You want the very best result so you will need the very best conditions. For a full list of medications to be avoided before and after rhinoplasty, go to our tool bar, click “Rhinoplasty”, and then click “General Instructions”. If there is any doubt, simply contact us.