Do I have to stop taking phentermine pills before having SculpSure?

Phentermine, like any derivative of amphetamine, can raise your heart rate and BP, therefore, I routinely have my surgical patients discontinue it for surgery.  For SculpSure, there is no reason that you would have to stop, however, you may not want to take it on the day of the procedure, as you are less likely to need it on that day.  Check with the doctor who is responsible for the SculpSure to get his or her opinion on it, but at my office, that would be OK.

Hello crisss01, Thank you for your question and sharing your concerns.  While I don't necessarily make patients stop most medications before SculpSure, I am concerned that you are having side effects.  I would consult your prescribing physician about the side effects that you are having and any cardiovascular impact they could have.  I hope that is helpful.All my best!  Dr. Elizabeth 

Phentermine is an old appetite suppressant that is FDA-approved for short-term treatment of obesity. It works down the adrenergic pathway (like adrenaline). It can increase your heart rate, cause tremors, and keep you awake at night. If so it may be advisable to cut the pills in half. The 37.5 mg tablets are easily split. Unless you are very sensitive to phentermine it should not matter if you take the medicine on the day of your SculpSure treatment. Qsymia is a recent timed-released combination of phentermine and topomirate, which is FDA-approved for long-term treatment of obesity. It is (usually) a better drug both with respect weight loss and tolerance than phentermine alone. However, it is expensive and often not covered by health insurance. It is important to maintain your healthy habits and lose weight to get the most out of SculpSure treatments.

There is no known contraindication between taking Phentermine and having Sculpsure, however since you have had side effects with phentermine at your current dose, I would discuss with your physician going to a lower dose. The best dose is the lowest effective dose without side effects.  (Phentermine also comes in 15mg and 30mg strengths) 

Thank you for your question. I don’t require my patients to stop medications before a SculpSure treatment. Please consult your provider and always seek treatments from a board-certified dermatologist. 

You do not need to stop the phentermine for the procedure. If you are having side effects from the phentermine, I would recommend trying the 15 mg or 30 mg capsules. I usually have great success in patients with the 15 mg with less of the side effects. It still provides for an increase in your metabolism and control over hunger.

Although SculpSure can be uncomfortable, it will in no way cause you to be at a higher heart risk if you take phentermine. If you had a difficult first SculpSure experience and don't want to take phentermine at the same time, you may totally skip your dose that day, or take it after your SculpSure appointment.
Good luck!