Comparison between Dexamethasone and Tranexamic Aacid on Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis after Rhinoplasty Operation

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery in the world. Edema and ecchymosis are two expected consequences after any planned injuries such as surgery that extend recovery time and cause to distress for the patients and their families. Several drugs (e.g. corticosteroid and tranexamic acid) and herbal extracts (e.g. arnica) are suggested for resolving this problem but there is no comparison between them yet. This study was undertaken to compare the potential benefits of dexamethasone with tranexamic acid on postoperative edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. Determination of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid efficacy on edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. This was a clinical trial cross sectional double blind study. Seventy rhinoplasty candidates were randomized in two groups. In addition to routine management and cold compress after operation, one group received dexamethasone and another group received tranexamic acid injection for both groups 1 dose of drug before and 3 doses per 8 hours after rhinoplasty.. For measurement of edema and ecchymosis, we took digital photos from patients’ face third day of postoperation. Then three colleagues who were blinded to assigned groups, scored edema and ecchymosis level with using 0-4 point standard scale. The α < 0.05 is considered significant statistically. Nineteen men and fifty one women were enrolled. On postoperative day 3, there was no significant difference in the rating of preorbital ecchymosis among two intervention groups (p<0.15). Also there was no significant difference for the edema rating among two intervention groups (p<0.12). According to our results, no significant difference in postoperative edema and ecchymosis was detected among two groups. In regard to similar efficacy of both drugs to decrease edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty, we must select one of them according to the other effects of drugs.