best way to reduce swelling in the first few days post op

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#1 Post by **annafaith** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:14 am

Hi, just wandered what worked for people swelling wise? I'm using a jaw sling which the hospital gave me which helps, but not enough! Also taking maximum ibuprofen. Has anyone tried arnica cream out of interest?

#2 Post by **Bullfighter** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 9:59 am

My surgeon said arnica cream wouldn't help - I had bought some and taken it to his office for my pre-surgery consultation. There is a oral program of arnica capsules/tablets that is supposedly effective, but you would have needed to start just prior to surgery.

Wish I had a better answer, but what worked for me was keeping my head elevated (sleeping on two pillows and sitting rather than laying around the rest of the day) and staying out of the sun (should be doable in the UK).

The swelling does subside after a few days.

#3 Post by **annafaith** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 12:18 pm

Thanks bullfighter.
I can feel swelling starting my my chest now which is hopefully it moving away from my neck and face. Ugh didn't think i would find this so gross but not liking it at all!

#4 Post by **bracesat29** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 5:26 pm

I'm not sure of your procedure, but couldn't they prescribe you some stronger medicine? I also used ice, when I had my wisdom teeth taken out years ago. I'm sure that wasn't as painful as your condition, but it was enough for me!

#5 Post by **TitaniumAdded** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:09 pm

For swelling:

- Jaw sling/jaw bra with constant ice for the first 3-4 days
- Alternate with heating pad after 4 days
- Drink as much water as necessary(2L +, this is the most important step)
- Sleep elevated with your head above your heart, therefore some decline from 90 degrees is possible.
- Lymph node therapy if you really are desperate and are having problems, but not necessary at all.

#6 Post by **annafaith** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:19 pm

thanks titanium, interested to know what the reasoning behind the heating pads is after the first few days? Have been using the jaw sling religuosly and sleeping upright, think it's helping.

#7 Post by **dappleapple** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:31 pm

Massage is good too to get the fluid draining

And yes, sleep upright... I made the mistake of falling asleep on one side one night and all the fluid went to one side of my face, so I looked normal on one side and completely bloated on the other!... was very funny... for my family...!

Good luck with your recovery! xxx

#8 Post by **trc** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 10:03 pm

In using massage to reduce swelling - do you directly massage the face in the areas where there is swelling or do you massage the neck area or both?

I am almost 8 weeks post-op and looking to get rid of the swelling that is remaining in cheeks and around my nose.

Thanks!

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