Will taking Ibuprofen 1 day prior to surgery cause problems?

Question

My daughter is having nose surgery tomorrow at 9:50 am.she didn't realize she wasn't supposed to take ibuprofen and just took 3. will this cause problems or stop the surgery for tomorrow

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear maryflack7, I would contact your operating surgeon's office. It is important that they are aware that she took the medication because it can thin the blood. Most surgeon's request that no blood thinners (such as advil, iburprofen, motrin) be taken 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. Hope this helps!

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

We obviously don't want to stop our clotting mechanism just prior to surgery. Especially in elective cosmetic facial surgery. We try and eliminate aspirin and aspirin containing compounds because these are the worst at preventing clotting. Ibuprofen and related compounds are not as bad as aspirin but they do decrease clotting and therefore should be eliminated prior to elective surgery. The single dose taken by your daughter should not negatively effect her surgical case if she is otherwise a healthy person, Try and follow the rules.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

While it would be ideal not to take Motrin before rhinoplasty, it usually does not cause a problem. However, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon so he/she can make the decision on whether or not to proceed.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The biggest offender when it comes to blood thinning pain relievers is aspirin. Aspirin is a potent blood thinner with lasting effects, and consuming three aspirin a day before rhinoplasty would be concerning, and surgery would be rescheduled.When it comes to Motrin, there is an "idiosynchratic reaction" in a minority of people that may predispose to excessive bleeding. Consider discussing your concerns with your daughter's surgeon to see how best to proceed. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Kapil Saigal, MD, FACS · Answer

This is worth calling you surgeon asap, as they may have policies regarding this. She will most likely be fine either way, but given that this is elective surgery the surgeon may elect to reschedule - there is a small chance that the medication may result in more oozing during/after surgery as well as increase your possibility of bruising. Best of luck!

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

We require patients to strictly avoid all blood thinning drugs and supplements for 2 weeks before and after rhinoplasty surgery. It is important that you contact your surgeon, as they should be aware that your Daughter has taken the medication one day prior to surgery. I hope this is helpful to you!

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

Typically, I strongly suggest stopping all blood thinners including ibuprofen.  This medication, does affect the platelets or the bodies ability to control bleeding.  Each surgeon will have his or her own criteria so it is important to ask your surgeon first.  Rhinoplasty is a particularly bloody procedure, especially if extensive work needs to be done such as narrowing the nasal bridge. Other medications to avoid include aspirin, Advil, and any herbal supplements such as garlic, fish oil, and vitamin E.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Taking a couple ibuprofen pills prior to your rhinoplasty surgery will probably not be an issue, but it is always best to check with your operative surgeon. We ask  patients to stop ibuprofen and aspirin two weeks prior to surgery to prevent a nosebleed situation.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I do not think that this will cause any issues. However, you will see a wide variety of responses to your question. Aspirin is a different story. This medication thins your blood to the point that the risk of a severe post-rhinoplasty nosebleed would be unacceptably high. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

There is the potential for blood coagulation problems. You need to discuss this with the operating plastic surgeon and follow all of his or her instructions.Robert Singer, MD  FACSLa Jolla, California

Will taking Ibuprofen 1 day prior to surgery cause problems?

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