Is ibuprofen sufficient pain management after mommy makeover?

Question

I'm American but live in the Netherlands. A lot of doctors here only prescribe ibuprofen and paracetamol after plastic surgery such as tummy tuck, ba, labiaplasty, etc. This is due to being cautious about narcotics. But is ibu/para sufficient. A tummy tuck seems like a major surgery and it freaks me out a lot.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
Many patients do well with over the counter pain relievers, but some may need something stronger. Reach out to your surgeon to discuss specific pain management for you post surgery. Best wishes!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the adequacy of using ibuprofen for pain management after a mommy makeover. It’s crucial to have an effective pain control plan in place for a comfortable recovery process.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and, as you pointed out, can increase the risk of bleeding. This is particularly important in the context of surgery, as NSAIDs can compromise healing and potentially lead to issues like hematoma formation or poor wound healing.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered a safer alternative to NSAIDs like ibuprofen for postoperative pain management, as it doesn't carry the same risk of causing bleeding. However, it may not be sufficient alone to manage the pain experienced after a comprehensive procedure like a mommy makeover.
In the United States, it is common to prescribe stronger pain medications, such as narcotics, for short-term use after major surgeries like a tummy tuck. While there are concerns about the risk of addiction or overdose, these risks are typically low when these medications are used as prescribed and for a short duration. Effective pain control is essential as inadequate pain relief can lead to poor wound healing and negatively impact overall recovery.
It's important to have a discussion with your plastic surgeon and possibly a pain management specialist about the most appropriate pain control strategy for you. This plan should take into account your medical history, the extent of your surgery, and the typical pain levels associated with the procedures involved in a mommy makeover.
I hope this information helps you understand why ibuprofen might not be the best choice for managing postoperative pain after a mommy makeover and underscores the importance of a well-thought-out pain management plan.
Good luck with your procedure and recovery.
Sincerely,

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Caution around narcotic medication is important and if your surgeon feels confident that this combination will work, then trust them. You can also discuss what your options would be if your pain control is inadequate.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Great question. You will be given extra strong pain killers right after the surgery and during the hospital stay. We keep mommy makeover patients at the hospital 2 nights. When you are discharged after 2 days, we do provide you ibuprofen as you mentioned which is more than enough as we do not expect any major pain 48 hours after the surgery.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While ibuprofen can be an excellent source of pain control, Most patients will require narcotic pain medication for at least the first 2-3 days following surgery. At the very least, during this time, muscle relaxants can also be helpful to decrease muscle spasms related to the rectus diastasis repair. Although it is not common practice, a combination of muscle relaxants and ibuprofen could be used, however I would ensure kidney function tests are normal and that any issues with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) are minimized prior to the procedure.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID) can be part of the pain management regimen after a mommy makeover, but it is often not sufficient as the sole pain management medication. Mommy makeovers typically involve multiple procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, which can result in varying degrees of discomfort and pain.

Here are some considerations regarding pain management after a mommy makeover:

Prescription Pain Medications:

In the immediate postoperative period, stronger prescription pain medications (such as opioids) are often prescribed to manage pain. These medications are more effective in controlling pain during the first few days after surgery.
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen):

NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and provide additional pain relief. They are commonly used in conjunction with prescription pain medications. However, there may be limitations on their use, especially in the early postoperative period, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Muscle Relaxants:

Muscle relaxants may be prescribed to manage muscle discomfort, especially after procedures like tummy tuck.
Follow Surgeon's Instructions:

It's crucial to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding pain management. They will provide specific recommendations based on your individual needs, the extent of the procedures, and your medical history.
Gradual Transition:

As the initial postoperative period progresses, there is often a gradual transition from stronger prescription pain medications to over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.
Hydration and Rest:

Staying well-hydrated and getting enough rest are important aspects of the recovery process and can contribute to pain management.
It's important to communicate openly with your surgeon about your pain levels and any concerns you may have. They can adjust your pain management plan as needed and provide guidance on when and how to transition between different medications.

Remember that pain management is a personalized aspect of the recovery process, and what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. Always follow your surgeon's recommendations, take medications as prescribed, and report any unusual or severe symptoms promptly.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Exciting75650,
with good preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative protocols, pain levels can be significantly reduced so you can avoid opioids. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A mommy makeover in itself is a great procedure, however, the proposed pain management may not cut it afterwards. If a so-called "muscle tightening" of your abs is planned (in medical terms it is a misnomer), which leads to a nice flat appearance after your tummy tuck, and the placement of your breast implants is planned to be behind the muscle (i.e dual plane) you most likely will need something stronger. Although it is great to plan for an opoid free pain management regime, there are additional options, which I think you may want to discuss with your surgeon. Cooling may additionally help your discomfort of the  labiaplasty and its associated swelling. Although each patient is different,  the best possible and safe pain management should be the goal during recovery of a lipoabdominoplasty combined with a breast augmentation and labiaplasty procedure.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Exciting75650, thanks for sharing your concerns, that will depend on your tolerance pain level, you can tried it there are patients who can manage the pain with this but of course there are others that need something stronger. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is routine in our practice to provide regional blocks with long-lasting anesthetics after breast surgery and TT. This is done under ultrasound guidance and allows very comfortable recovery using celecoxib (similar to ibuprofen) and Tylenol in addition, for several days. Good luck.

Is ibuprofen sufficient pain management after mommy makeover?

Answers (14)

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