Is it possible to not take any pain meds post-op of breast augmentation?

Question

im hoping to have the rapid recovery method, i have a consultation this week, but was curious since i am not a fan of pain meds - i would prefer to just take ibuprofen but wonder if that is realistic?

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As each patient's recovery experience is unique, one cannot say if you will need to utilize pain medication post operatively.  However, some patients have found that taking Tylenol instead of narcotic pain medication works in reducing post operative pain.  Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve and all other NSAID medication are not an option as a pain medication as they have blood thinning agents in their ingredients.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for this interested question.Theories are found: There plastic surgeons do not provide any  anti-inflammatory painkillers because they interfere with the first step of wound healing, the inflammatory phase. Furthermore, some surgeons routinely use them. In my practice, I individualize the patients according to specific needs of each.As such, if I notice a patient with abnormal  swelling i prescribe inflammatory painkillers.On the other hand, if the recovery process is normal, I prescribe painkillers medication (not antiinflamatory) the first week p.o. and henceforth only if the pain comes.Finally I recommend accompany the paikillers with a gastric protector to prevent damage to the stomach.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, the amount of pain medication required after breast augmentation varies considerably between patients, but most of my patients will take something more effective than ibuprofen for at least a few days.  If you are not a fan of narcotic medications, there are stronger anti-inflammatory medications (like ketorolac), muscle relaxants (methocarbamol), and other OTC meds like Tylenol.  Your PS may also inject local anesthetic at the time of surgery (or insert a pain pump).  There are many options.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It is definitely possible to heal from a breast augmentation without pain medications. More frequently, patients who are determined to minimize medication will use Motrin for a few days postop.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi C,We have a certain percent of patients who do not use pain meds, or just use Tylenol.  Some doctors (me included) feel motrin may thin your blood and would be a bad idea postop.  So check with your PS.  Please see the article on the web reference below which outlines the Quick Recovery method in scientific terms.  All the best, Dr. Joe

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It is certainly not necessary to take pain medication after breast augmentation. When the implants sub glandular patients don't really need it anyway.

Ryan Dodde II, MD · Answer

Early in my surgical career I was taught that pain is like a forest fire; it is much easier to blow out a match than a forest fire. Meaning, it is much easier to stay on top of the pain than to try and play catch up with it. Therefore, if you are experiencing pain, pain medication should be used on a regular basis. Anti-inflammatories work very well, either alone or in combination with narcotic pain medications. Aspirin and aspirin products, however, should be avoided because of their potential to cause bleeding. Because of their side effects, narcotic pain medications should be used for a short time as possible. It is possible that narcotic pain medications may not be needed at all in any post-surgical pain could be managed with anti-inflammatories alone.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Cvalich,Thanks for your question about taking pain meds after a breast augmentation.  Patients and their tolerance for pain vary so this is a great question for your plastic surgeon.  Should you decide not to take pain meds it is important to disclose this to your surgeon.  Also a great idea to follow your surgeon's post operative instructions to reduce the amount of pain you may experience.  Very best to you. -Brian Coan, MD, FACS

Chris Thomson, MD · Answer

A large part of how patients recover from breast augmentation has to do with their expectations.  I have many patients who use alternating doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen for the first couple of days with very little to no narcotic use.  They have some pain but they understand that as long as it is manageable and not severe they will see improvement early on.  Patients who expect to be completely pain free usually struggle no matter how much narcotic they take because they have expectations that are unrealistic.  You sound motivated to minimize your narcotic needs and therefore might do well without them.  I would advise you to have a narcotic prescription from your surgeon on hand though, just in case you need it.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Every patients is different. Some do not require pain meds. I would caution against Ibuprofen because that may cause bleeding. Best to ask your surgeon.

Is it possible to not take any pain meds post-op of breast augmentation?

Answers (14)

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