Prevention of postoperative facial edema with steroids after facial surgery

A one-bolus (dose) of 1 g of methylprednisolone was administered intravenously to patients undergoing facial surgery or craniofacial surgery, before the termination of the operative procedure. The degree of facial edema noted was reduced, and when it occurred, it was mild and of shorter duration. These observations were made on the experimental design first, and later in the clinical setting. No adverse effects were noted, and patients given this treatment required less pain medication in the immediate postoperative period. The mechanism of action of the steroids is multifactorial, related to decrease in the accumulation of fluid at the capillary level, and reduction of flow at the venoarterial sphincters. The use of steroids is safe when used with caution in selected patients, and by experienced surgeons.