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

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

This is a very good question. Acetaminophen, (Tylenol) has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.  Likewise, Ibuprofen is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication.  Ibuprofen also has platelet inhibitory action, and therefore should be avoided in the perioperative period, to prevent bleeding.

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.

Paul N. Afrooz, MD · Answer

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are great pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.  However, they inhibit some of the function of platelets, which are the cells that promote blood clotting.  For this reason, this class of medications is typically avoided for a minimum of two weeks prior to elective plastic surgery procedures.  Acetaminophen does not have this effect on platelet function and is therefore preferred during the peri-operative period.

Franco R. Jacome, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin.  These medications have properties that  thin your blood. This increases the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

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

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