Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Question

This is only from personal curiosity. I’ve noticed that after procedures or even when on any time of regime leading to or concluding from surgery, this is the common favored form of pain relief over any other. Could you offer insight on why’s and the benefits (if any) from one more so than the other?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!  The reason that I have my patients stop ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, Excedrin, etc. prior to surgery is because nSAIDs will thin your blood and increase certain post-operative risks.  Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is better in the pre- and early post-op period for recovery.  I hope that answers your question!

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for our question. Ibuprofen, like aspirin, can thin the blood so it has the potential to increase bleeding following surgery.  For this reason, many doctors prescribe Tylenol for a short period of time. Over long periods of time, Tylenol can cause liver toxicity, but a short dosage following surgery is rarely a problem.  I hope this helps.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question and simple answer.  Ibuprofen increases your risk for bleeding while Tylenol does not.  That being said, many of us are also using medications that avoid Tylenol to reduce the potential risk for liver toxicity if you are dehydrated. I hope that helps and wish you the very best!-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

My patients are advised to stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen 10 days prior to surgery. Such drugs contain agents that can thin your blood and cause surgical complications. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Both are great pain relievers, but ibuprofen also has properties that can cause bleeding issues during surgery and in the early recovery period.  For that reason, acetaminophen is preferred.

Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

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Answer: Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Answer: Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Answer: Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

Answer: Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

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Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Answers (8)

Answer: Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Answer: Why is acetaminophen more favored over ibuprofen from the PS community?

Answer: Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

Answer: Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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