NSAIDs after Sculpsure - how long after treatment is ok to resume taking these?

Question

I have a herniated L4/L5 disc that has just flared up and is causing me extreme pain. I usually manage the flare ups with Meloxicam. I know NSAIDs and anti inflammatories are not recommended after the Sculpsure treatment as it decreases the body's natural healing response to it - however - how long after treatment is ok to resume taking these? I'm currently 7 days post treatment. Thanks

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

In my practice, I suggest waiting 10 days following your treatment. This should be an adequate amount of time to allow good healing. There are no good studies to substantiate stopping your anti-inflammatories for any longer period of time.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Sculpsure is a laser initiated  thermal destruction of adipocytes.  The ruptured adipocytes are then "cleaned up" by the inflammatory and lymphatic system over 12 weeks.  Although I am unsure of any double blind studies comparing the effectiveness of Sculpsure with and without treatment with NSAIDS, I think it is reasonable to resume Meloxicam after about 2 weeks.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
Inflammation is the main mechanism, how Sculpsure facilitates the elimination of the treated fat. Preventing it from happening may alter the final results. One day of treatment with your medication, should not affect the final results. Ideally, you should promote the inflammation. Exercise, becomes your best ally, because the blood flow will help increasing the inflammatory response to the treatment.
Timeline wise, it takes 6 to 9 weeks for fat undergo the destruction pathway. I would suggest avoiding the anti-inflammatories for at least 6 weeks. Finally, make sure that you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Wishing you the best in your journey

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: It is difficult to say what is exactly happening with your case without a physical examination, testing or having done your surgery. It is imperative that you have a thorough examination by a board-certified surgeon. Only then, you may weight better the options to fix your current concerns.

Kent Holtorf, MD · Answer

I always suggest my patients wait a week after treatment before taking NSAID's to prevetn any issue with the treatment.  I would suggest highly that you speak to your provider, because they would be able to give you options specifc to you.

Shalini Gupta, MD · Answer

See your doctor for alternatives for your pain.  Try to avoid NSAID's to allow for best results on your Sculpsure investment.  Using Zwave after Sculpsure treatment helps enhance results also.

Rosalind Hudson, MD · Answer

There are not any clinical studies comparing SculpSure results with different lengths of NSAID dosing.
The inflammatory response is what attracts the white blood cells (macrophages) that "clean up" the cellular debris from the up to 25% of fat cells that die with each treatment, and recycle the DNA from these cells. (BTW, the discovery of this process, called apotheosis, is what got the Noble Prize in Medicine for 2017). The recommendations by the scientists that developed SculpSure, provided in their "Clinical Practice Guidelines",  do not specify the length of time after the treatment to stay off of NSAID's. As long as the tissue is firm feeling (called "induration"), then there is still macrophage infiltration. I would go by the tissue. If it is still quite firm, I would stay off of NSAID's. You want to get the best result possible for your investment. I think Dr. Eros recommendation (Tramadol) is an excellent idea, as well as other treatments for your back, like, Neurontin (Gabapentin) at bedtime, or acupuncture.

Christine Eros, MD · Answer

Hi. Remember that SculpSure destroys the body's subcutaneous fat. The body then uses the signals of inflammation to remove the fats cells that have been harmed. It is best not to use Nsaids for at least 2 weeks. Talk to your primary care physician about other options for pain in the meantime. Things like tramadol help.
Dr. Eros

David Finkle, MD · Answer

I believe 7 days after a SculpSure treatment you should be OK to resume your normal medication routine.Good Luck!

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

it is more of a theoretical effect with the NSAID. and no one knows if it will definitely compromise your results. Thus, i  encourage my patients to avoid them for a week but i would not sweat it, if they have to take some for pain such as in your case, or if they accidentally forgot and took some. david berman md

NSAIDs after Sculpsure - how long after treatment is ok to resume taking these?

Answers (10)

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