The efficacy of melilotus extract in the management of postoperative ecchymosis and edema after simultaneous rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty

Background Melilotus extract has been used as a folk medicine in inflammation-related therapy. This study was undertaken to determine the potential benefits of this herbal extract in treating postoperative ecchymosis and edema after simultaneous rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty. Methods Augmentation rhinoplasty and double-eyelid blepharoplasty were performed in one procedure by the same surgeon on 46 patients. Results Postoperative edema and ecchymosis were evaluated independently by two investigators checking the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and paranasal area at postoperative days 1, 4, and 7. Our data showed that the patients receiving melilotus extract (n = 16) had lower scores not only in upper-eyelid and lower-eyelid ecchymosis, but also in paranasal ecchymosis at postoperative day 7 when compared with those in the control group. No significant difference in postoperative ecchymosis was detected in the group receiving dexamethasone treatment (n = 16) when compared with the control group (n = 14) at postoperative days 1, 4, and 7. The mean scores of upper-eyelid, lower-eyelid, and paranasal edema at postoperative days 1 and 4 were significantly lower in the group receiving dexamethasone treatment (n = 16) than that in the control group. Although the scores of eyelid edema reduction in the patients receiving melilotus extract showed no difference when compared with the control group, paranasal edema was reduced much more at postoperative days 4 and 7 when compared with the control group. Conclusion We suggest the appropriate use of melilotus extract based on its beneficial effects on the postoperative results after simultaneous rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.