Is BBL recovery possible without pain meds?

Question

Considering a BBL but concerned with recovery as 1) I have 4 children and unsure as to how long I will be down and 2) I prefer not to take pain meds due to a previous Vicodin dependency after a back injury. Is recovery possible with ibuprofen only, and is it realistic or will I be miserable? Also, how long will I be laying in bed crying (I've had surgery before-pheochromocytoma-and recovery was DEPRESSING).

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Aftercare following the BBL will depend upon an individual surgeon's preferences and perhaps how aggressive the liposuction and large the amount of fat transferred per buttock.   Pain control is important.  I typically use whatever medication a patient has used in the past that has had success.  The pain can be managed effectively, and this aspect should not deter you from surgery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeryLos Angeles, CA

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Contrary to popular belief, the procedure itself is often reported as not that painful following the operation. I give my patients a combination of codeine with paracetemol. However, I find that a lot of patients can recover with paracetemol alone which is what I would recommend to you.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Pain varies between patient to patient. I do not recommend taking ibuprofen as it is a blood thinner - however you may try over the counter extra strength Tylonel. Please speak with your surgeon to discuss pain management.Regards,

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

While each patient is different, in general narcotics are needed on average for a week or so. If you had a prior dependency to Vicodin your surgeon could prescribe you ultram which is a non narcotic pain medication. I would not recommend taking Advil regularly in the immediate postoperative period as it can lead to bleeding.Best

Robert J. Paresi Jr., MD, MPH · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Pain after BBL surgery is very variable.  I have some patients that take narcotics for up to one week after surgery while others take none at all.  Ibuprofen immediately after BBL is not recommended because it may cause more bleeding and swelling.  Another option is tramadol which can be used for breakthrough pain.  I would try over the counter Tylenol 500 mg every 6 hours and tramadol for breakthrough pain if you are going to try and avoid narcotics.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that in general liposuction patients and BBl patients often do not have a lot of post-op discomfort as compared to other surgeries like breast augmentation or tummy tucks. You  might be ok with just tylenol if you are not allergic. Best to review with your surgeon.

Is BBL recovery possible without pain meds?

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