Which pain medication is best after facelift/fat transfer?

Dear vickielp,
Thank you for your question. I typically prescribe narcotics and avoid blood thinning medications such as NSAIDs for patients who undergo facelift. I recommend you discuss this further with your surgeon who can prescribe you the appropriate pain medication depending on your medication allergies, level of pain tolerance, and medical history. 

Every patient has different perceptions of pain, so it is hard to say there is one best pain medication. Facelifts and facial fat transfers, in the spectrum of surgical procedures, aren't particularly painful. Of course, in fat transfers, you also have the fat donor sites to contend with - I usually prescribed a narcotic with a dose range. Initially, right after surgery, you may feel like you need more that what you would need to feel comfortable after a day or so. 

Many of these procedures are actually not that uncomfortable post operatively.  Your medical status and any prior reactions to pain medications need to be considered when determining what is best for you.  In my opinion, it is essential for patients to be comfortable and also have the smallest exposure to narcotics after surgery consistent with this.