I've had a breast augmentation 24 hours ago. Is it safe to take Propranolol after surgery for anxiety?

Thanks for your question...It is best to speak to your surgeon regarding any additional post op medications not given by the surgeon him/herself. Please speak with your surgeon.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.

Regards,

Every Surgeon has different post operative instructions of when to take medication after surgery. I would contact your board certified surgeon to answer this question.

Thanks so much for your question.  I would recommend contacting your surgeon to ask him/her about taking propranolol for anxiety, as he/she would know what other medications you may have had recently.  In addition to treating anxiety, propranolol is also used to treat fast heart rate and high blood pressure.  After surgery you may be dehydrated with lower blood pressure and possibly slow heart rate, so you need to make sure these things are checked before you take propranolol.  Hope this helps...best of luck!
Joyce C. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dear scrosss,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Safe medications? Congratulations on your recent breast augmentation surgery! It sounds like you were a little anxious. Before taking any medications I would certainly ask you to check with your treating Dr. Your plastic surgeon will be able to give you advice and when you could start your medications again and also any vitamins and supplements you might be taking. Online advice is not a substitute for the relationship you have with your plastic surgeon. Have a wonderful day, Dr. Aldo

Hello a and thank you for the question. You should direct specific questions regarding the postoperative care to your surgeon. In general, beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol) can typically be continued peri-operatively (or re-started on day 1 post op), providing they are approved and prescribed by you Primary Care Physician. Again, I would recommend that you speak to your doctor(s) about it. Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Contact your surgeon before beginning any new medication.  He/She is familiar with what has been prescribed for you and is the appropriate person to ask, especially if you are experiencing new symptoms.

If this medication has not been prescribed specifically for you to use for anxiety, I would suggest avoiding it. If it has been prescribed, you might check with your physician first. This medication is often used for controlling blood pressure and may make your pulse and blood pressure drop. Many patients, just after surgery, may tend to run a little lower than their normal blood pressure due to medications.

Propranolol can slow the heart rate and additionally can cause blood pressure to drop.  Before you take this medication, I would check with your physician before doing so.  He/She may want you to take an alternative medication for your anxiety rather than propranolol.

Propranolol slows the heart so if your heart rate. If your pulse is high this should be fine.Your metabolism is altered after surgery and we don't know if your dosing of propranolol is high or low.  For safety, best to check with your doctor.Best wishes