SmartLipo - Can I take ibuprofen for pain?

Although Smart Lipo tends to have less bruising due to the lasers ability to coagulate small vessels, there is always a potential for postoperative bruising and bleeding. Ibuprofen will worsen this situation so it is a definite NO.  Most of my patients do well with Tylenol.  Rarely they will request something stronger in which case I will prescribe either celebrex ( an excellent choice as a non-narcotic) or vicodin ( a mild narcotic pain reliever).

Smart Lipo gives a rapid recovery with minimal bruising so most patients will not need any pain medication beyond the first 24-48hrs

Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that can cause bleeding and bruising after surgery. An alternative NSAID is Celebrex (celecoxib) which does not significantly increase the risk of bleeding and has a more favorable side effect profile in regard to gastrointestinal irritation. It is a useful non-narcotic that can be used safely around the time of surgery. Many of my patients have been grateful that I often prescribe this before surgery, as they find they have less discomfort when they start it before a procedure.

It is unclear if an NSAID will decrease the skin tightening thought to be associated with laser-assisted liposuction as this effect has not yet been definitively quantified.

I generally request that all patients refrain from Motrin (Ibuprofen and Advil are the same) for 2 weeks before and after surgery because of the increased risk of bleeding and bruising that these medications carry. 

Ibuprofen or other NSAIDS (such as naproxen) are great for pain management but should NOT be used following SmartLipo (or any device causing skin tightening).

I have my patiens use extra-strength Tylenol as needed for pain management following SmartLipo. I have only had 3 patients (1%) in the past year ask for something stronger. I did give them Percocet or Vicodin.

I stay away from all anti-inflammatory medications (especially NSAIDS) for about one month following the procedure - minimum of 2 weeks (prefer 4 months). I do this for the following reasons:

• SmartLipo causes skin tightening through heating of the collagen, resulting in immediate contracture followed by an inflammatory process that causes new collagen and tighter skin as the damaged area heals. If an anti-inflammatory is used, this effect can be blunted! We all know that one of the best things about SmartLipo is that it can result in tighter skin than traditional liposuction. We don't want to hamper the skin from tightening!

• NSAIDS can result in increased bruising (should be stopped 2 weeks before procedure).

• NSAIDS can irritate the stomach lining and result in ulcers.

With so many other medications that can be used for pain managment, it makes sense to find something that won't compromise your results.