I had Ultherapy on Saturday and a day or two later took Ibuprofen for a headache. Will it affect my results?

Question

Also can I continue taking vitamins including fish oil after procedure ?.....Thank you

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

While taking ibuprofen may cause some bruising, it is unlikely to impact your results.  It will take time for the thermal ( heat) areas to transform into collagen and result in tightening.  That will take 3 months at least. Sincerely, 
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Great question! Taking ibuprofen once or twice for a headache post treatment will not be detrimental to your results but you might not want to be taking it consistently.  Actually, it is recommended to take 800mg Ibuprofen one hour prior to Ultherapy for pain reduction during the treatment and in clinical trials that has not impacted results.  However, Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to create a thermal injury directly into the collagen layer of the skin which causes inflammation and ultimately the healing response is what causes the tightening result we see in the skin. If you consistently, on a daily basis, take an anti-inflammatory medication you could be prematurely reducing  the inflammatory response that Ultera produces, and conceptually at least, this could give you less than optimal results.  Although I am not aware of any studies that document this, I just wouldn't recommend taking daily anti-inflammatories after Ultherapy.   
Hope that helps,
Paul Flashner, MD

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, ibuprofen and your supplements won't negatively impact your results. Keep in mind, a combination approach would give the most improvement with Ultherapy. I recommend Ultherapy with RF treatments, lasers, microneedling/PRP or sculptra to get increased collagen, tightening and improve skin tone.  I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Norman M. Rowe, MD · Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your question,Ibuprofen taken after Ultherapy can potentially cause additional bruising but it should have no negative impact on the results of the treatment.Have a nice day.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! We do not find that patients taking a few doses of Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories have much of an influence on results overall. Ideally you wouldn't take large doses of them or steroids. We have never advised against resuming supplements after treatments, except maybe those that are know to have very potent anti-inflammatory effects. You can look forward to wonderful lifting and tightening to occur over the next 6 months or so! Our patients love their Ultherapy results! Best, Dr. Grant Stevens

I had Ultherapy on Saturday and a day or two later took Ibuprofen for a headache. Will it affect my results?

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I had Ultherapy on Saturday and a day or two later took Ibuprofen for a headache. Will it affect my results?

Answers (8)

Answer: Ibuprofen After Ultherapy

Answer: Ibuprofen After Ultherapy

Answer: Ultherapy Results

Answer: Ultherapy Results

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Everything you need to know about Ultherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.