Is Celebrex alright to take up to and after a tummy tuck surgery?

Question

With my BA the doctor wanted me to take Celebrex during my recovery. Will it also be safe after a tummy tuck?

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Celebrex is in a class of drugs known as "Cox 2 Inhibitors" and they have a different mechanism of action than most anti inflammatory drugs.  In theory, this is a safe medicine to take before, during, and after surgery…BUT I would certainly check with your surgeon before doing so!Good Luck!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I would not recommend the use of Celebrex after surgery. This medication can increase the potential for bleeding.

David Liland, MD · Answer

While most PSs do not want you taking NSAIDs before surgery due to bleeding and oozing issues( especially TTs) .In the post operative phase ,starting 3-4 days after , I have found them to be most helpful and they can reduce the need for stronger narcotics

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Celebrex is safe to take after your surgery.  Some surgeons will recommend taking it just before surgery to help with pain.  Best wishes for your surgery!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is always best to run these types of questions by your plastic surgeon. Each plastic surgeon may have a different view regarding this question of  timing to start anti-inflammatories (most feel that it is safe to do three weeks postoperatively assuming complication free post operative course).  Some patients should not use anti-inflammatories based on their past medical/surgical history and/or allergy history. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

According to the attached article, Celebrex doesn't affect platelet function and doesn't prolong bleeding time, but ask your plastic surgeon specifically about his/her policy on taking Celebrex after a tummy tuck.

Paul Loewenstein (retired) · Answer

There have been several studies showing that 100mg of celebrex every 12 hours for the first few days after sugery can significantly decrease the use of narcotic pain medication. Celebrex is different from all the other NSAIDs in terms of its effect on platelet function, and therefore safe to take. If you are allergic to sulfa drugs then you shouldn't take it.  For a tummy tuck I agree that Exparel can also work very well to decrease overall pain. I have been using it as a TAP block, which works to block the nerves that provide feeling to the part of the abdominal wall that is most affected by the surgery.

Lori H. Saltz, MD (retired) · Answer

It is true that NSAIDS can cause increased bleeding when taken around the time of surgery, but Celebrex is the exception.  You should discuss it with your surgeon before taking it.  I have personally found that having patients take two the night before surgery or even the morning of surgery reduces their pain and narcotic needs post-operatively.  Even our anesthesiologists have commented that they have used less narcotics during surgery when the patients have taken the Celebrex ahead of time.  Narcotics have more frequent side effects like nausea, vomiting and constipation  If you are allergic to sulfa you probably should not take it.  The drug is a little pricey and not covered by many insurance companies, but it's worth it to get 6-10 for that first few days.  For tummy tucks we also use Exparel, a long acting local anesthetic that is injected under the covering of the muscle during surgery.

Is Celebrex alright to take up to and after a tummy tuck surgery?

Answers (8)

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