Does Motrin have to decrease swelling still after one week post facelift?

Many patients use Motrin or other brands of Ibuprofen following surgery. These are anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce pain and possibly swelling after surgery. One week after surgery, there may still be swelling, but I doubt that Motrin would help at that point. Time and patience is probably what you need since swelling may last for several weeks. Good luck.

Swelling one week post op is normal  We typically have patients take Tylenol as an anti-inflammatory.  We tend to stay away from ibuprofen or aspirin products early on as they may increase bleeding.   Please make sure you follow your post operative instructions given to you by your surgeon. Please make sure you follow up with them and ask any questions that you may have.

Thank you for your question.  If you are mild swelling and minimal bruising, then Motrin may be fine to take after a week.  I would make sure your visit with your surgeon and follow their guidance.

Thank you for a great question.  I would check with your surgeon on their postoperative protocol.  While Motrin is an antiinflammatory, it can also contribute to bleeding.  Generally, I have patients discontinue it for two weeks after surgery.  Also, if you are concerned your swelling is abnormal, there are other options, so I would recommend contacting your surgeon's office.  I hope this helps!"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Thank you for your question.While Motrin is an anti-inflammatory agent, it may contribute to an increased risk of bleeding.  Many facelift surgeons ask patients to not take that medication after facelifts for that reason, but the length of time after facelift varies from surgeon to surgeon.  I would ask your doctor what they recommend, as each surgeon has their own protocols to help decrease swelling.  Best of luck!

Motrin like any other anti-inflammatory drug (non-steroidal) can improve the swelling after surgery, even 1 weeks after the surgical event.Motrin as well as other NSAIDs ( Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) because their "blood thinning" properties can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising after surgery"After a facelift, NSAIDs like Motrin are usually contraindicated because of the above reasons. In certain cases, motrin or NSAIDs could be recommended to address post facelift swelling in certain specific cases several days after surgery.Patients should only take motrin or other NSAID for facelift swelling AFTER DIRECT APPROVAL  by their facelift surgeon.

Hi reneegail. I do not recommend Motrin after facelift because of the increased risk of delayed bleeding. Usual measures to restrict swelling include limiting activities, cold compresses, keeping the head elevated, wearing a compression chin strap, and of course just time.  The swelling/fluid drains through lymphatic channels that need to reconnect and open following surgery, and this takes weeks to occur.  Be sure to be examined by your operating surgeon, especially if you have an area of focal swelling.  Best wishes,

Prior to your facelift your Plastic Surgeon will make recommendations that you stop particular drugs, vitamins and supplements to reduce blood thinning and subsequent bruising.  Follow the pre and post operative protocol given to you by your physician.  If you have a question about a particular drug, even over the counter ones like Motrin, call and check with your physician.  At one week after surgery you should be seeing your plastic surgeon for follow up and you can share with him/her any concerns you have about swelling.

I would be cautious in using motrin after surgery as it increases the risk of bleeding. There are other therapies to reduce swelling such as cold compresses, steroids, and arnica. Most surgeons have a post-operative protocol in place and the simplest and recommended course of action is to simply follow your surgeon's instructions. Although protocols may vary from surgeon to surgeon, they typically represent what your specific surgeon has had success with over the years. Good luck!

Hello Reneegail,I would discuss the use of any non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs with your surgeon prior to use after a facelift.  The reason is that they increase your risk of bleeding.  I have my patients avoid them for two weeks before surgery and one week after.  To help with the post operative swelling I have my patients use cold compresses for the first several days and stay elevated to allow gravity to pull the swelling away.  Once the swelling is already there, it would be unlikely that motrin would have much benefit anyway.  I hope this helps and good luck.