I am 3 weeks post op, is it okay to take ibuprofen 3 times a day everyday?

I recommend that my patients STOP all sources of Aspirin or other Pain medicine or Cold Preparations 10 days before surgery.  Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen, and Pepto-Bismol all contain agents that will thin your blood and cause surgical complications.  I issue the same precautions following surgery and recommend Tylenol instead.  Now that you are 3 weeks post-op, you should be fine.  Your surgeon may have a different protocol, so best to check with him or her.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question,Generally speaking you should be fine to take ibuprofen 3 weeks post-op. However, always check with your surgeon if you are concerned.Regards,

Aspirin and aspirin like substances tend to inhibit platelet formation which then, in the early post operative period, leads to oozing and/or frank bleeding.  I recommend my patients stop all aspirin like substances 2 weeks before surgery to 10 days after surgery.  Therefore, if you were my patient, I would allow you to take Ibuprofen 3x per day at 3 weeks post op.