Can post-op bleeding occur from use of Advil?

I'm almost 6 weeks post-Tummy Tuck. I had a spot on the scar that was healed, but 2 days ago, it started bleeding a little when I removed the Epi-Derm Scar Sheet strip. Prior to this, my doctor had recommended just placing a band aid over any spots that were not healed and continue using the strips, so that is what I did. When I took the strip off again tonight, it was bleeding a lot, and a portion of remaining scar looked like there was blood close to the surface. I've been taking Advil the past couple of days because of the discomfort and tightness. Could Advil have caused this bleeding? Should I also stop using the scar strips?

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17 answers to “Can post-op bleeding occur from use...”

A: At 6 weeks Advil is probably OK

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, Delayed wound healing after a tummy tuck is occasional, but can be troublesome. Advil would not have been a good idea earlier on, but at 6 weeks is probably not contributing to the problem. One way or the other, you should be following up for any changes with your surgeon. We all do things differently... more

A: Advil not the culprit

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Advil is probably not the culprit. Advil inhibits platelet function, but should only be an issue immediately before or after the surgery. More likely is a suture "spitting"; a quick visit to your doctor should sort that out. Usually the errant stitch is removed and that solves the problem.

A: Silicone sheets for healed scars

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Use of silicone sheeting is for healed wounds. If your incisions are not fully healed or have opened up, you should stop using the sheeting until they are closed. Advil may contibute to bleeding problems but I doubt if this is the reason why your scars started to bleed.

A: Sounds like you are spitting a stitch

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

It is very typical at 6 weeks after a tummy tuck to spit a stitch or two. The spitting stitch may appear as a little blister. The advil certainly stirs up bleeding and can contribute to the spitting stitch. The silicone sheeting also does not help in this case. I advise stopping the sheeting and advil and go... more

A: ibuprofen should be ok at 6 weeks

By Richard Baxter, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Many plastic surgeons advise against the use of anticoagulant medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) before and after surgery so as to minimize the risk of bleeding complications. However, by a week or two after surgery, it is not usually a problem. It sounds like you have some healing issues but I... more

A: Probably not Advil

By Armando Soto, MD - Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Hi there I agree--you're too far out from your surgery for it to be likely that the Advil caused your problem. It's much more likely that you have a suture that hasn't dissolved or some other (usually minor) healing problem. The important thing is to notify your surgeon and go in for an evaluation to be sure... more

A: Advil and bleeding

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Advil is not likely to cause bleeding this far out.

A: Stop the scar strips and the Advil

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Beaches, It sounds like the scar strips are traumatizing your scar for whatever reason. Once traumatized and bleeding the Advil is prohibiting your blood from clotting quickly and prolonging it. Stop both and get in to see your surgeon. Good luck!

A: You sounds like a suture is "spitting" out

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

You are right at the point postop when dissolvable sutures can sometimes "spit" out the incision. These can look like a pimple and can bleed a bit also. The Advil didn't cause the bleeding but might have made it a little bit worse. The suture issue will either resolve as the... more

A: It's probably the stitches and not the Advil

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Stitches are foreign bodies that your body tries to get rid of by absorbing them or raising them to the surface. This is similar to what happens when you get a splinter that works its way to the surface of your skin. Given the timing (6 weeks) it is likely that your body is in the process of absorbing your... more

More answers to Can post-op bleeding occur from use of Advil?
Boston - Advil not likely the cause of the bleeding
Chicago - Advil probably not the cause of post-op bleeding
Frankfort - Bleeding from incision
Pleasanton - A combination of factors
Santa Barbara - Advil can make the bleeding harder to stop, but it's not...
Santa Monica - Blood thinners, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Motrin...
Southlake - Yes but....