Anti Inflammatory Medications

[kongking]

Doctors,

Will medicines such as BROMELAIN help reduce inflammation / swelling for gynecomastia surgery patients?  If so, do you recommend any other medication to help reduce post operative swelling?  Thanks!

[DrPensler]

Its an interesting question that I constantly review. In general antiinflamatory medications result in an increased chance of bleeding in the postoperative period. As for me personally bleeding is more significant of a problem than swelling or inflammation. So I am reluctant to use anti inflammatory meds prior to surgery.

[kongking]

Is it ok to take bromelain supplements POST SURGERY though?  Thanks doctor!

[Litlriki]

As Dr. Pensler has noted, the risk of bleeding is a greater concern to me than concern over swelling, which is not excessive in most patients, and which is managed effectively with compression.  I don't have strong feelings about use of this product post-operatively.  Similarly, arnica is popular, but I'm not sure how meaningful it is to use this for gynecomastia surgery.  In most cases, swelling and bruising is only mild.

Rick Silverman

[kongking]

Thank you for your response Dr. Silverman.

It's been 60 days since I had surgery and I still have very noticeable swelling on my chest.  Hence, the reason I'm asking about Anti Inflammatory Medications.  Is it normal to still be swollen at around 60 days, or do you think it might be something else, e.g. seroma?

I highly appreciate your responses doctors!

[Litlriki]

It's tough to say if swelling could be related to a seroma without seeing and feeling it. You should see your surgeon.

RS