Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

Question

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

No, you're fine, if your surgeon who knows your entire medical history agrees.  The use of advil (ibuprofen), while not desirable, will not increase your risk of bleeding in the time frame you describe.  Platelet function returns to normal 24 hours after taking ibuprofen.  This does not apply for all NSAIDS, since piroxicam, diclofenac, naproxen and indomethacin inhibit platelet function for 2-3 days.
These drugs reversibly inhibit platelet function and the effect wears off as they are cleared from circulation.  Aspirin on the other hand irreversibly inhibits platelet function for the life of the platelet, so aspirin should not be taken within a week or surgery, and I recommend not taking it for 2 weeks before and after.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You need to ask your surgeon about this.  I would be much more concerned if it were aspirin with a facelift.  It would be best to delay the surgery a few days if you can.  Just make sure you discuss this with your surgeon

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Personally, I don't think its a big deal to take Advil prior to cosmetic breast surgery - but certainly contact your surgeon to ask him/her yourself.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear crysjaur,every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen, and Pepto-Bismol all contain agents that can thin your blood and lead to post-operative bleeding. I recommend that my patients not take Advil for two weeks prior to surgery and four weeks after. Because PSs differ in their pre and post-operative protocols, phoning or emailing your PS for advice would be prudent.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Preoperative protocol

Answer: Preoperative protocol

Answer: Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

Answer: Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

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Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

Answers (6)

Answer: Preoperative protocol

Answer: Preoperative protocol

Answer: Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

Answer: Help. I took 4 Advil (200mg) 2 days before my breast reduction surgery. Am I going to have to postpone my surgery?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.