Is it normal for a doctor to only prescribe Gabapentin and Celebrex for pain after a breast lift and augmentation revision?

Question

Today I went to my 2 week pre op and found out that my doctor doesn't prescribe narcotics unless that combo doesn't work, the celebrex and Gabapentin... . I'm unsure about it and need more opinions about that combo because I am scared to death that I'm going to be in pain after surgery. The only anesthesia he uses threw the surgery is need to put you asleep.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Although medication advice does vary from one plastic surgeon to another, I do prescribe post operative Celebrex, a narcotic medication for pain control and an anti-nausea medication.  My strong advice is to seek care with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your particular concerns regarding anesthesia and pain control.  Best of luck.

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.It is very important for plastic surgeons to keep their patients comfortable after surgery. Each plastic surgeon has their own method of achieving this.Gabapentin and celebrex are a combination of medicines that can be used after surgery. Many times they are used before surgery to reduce the amount of narcotics after surgery. In other words, they are used in combination with other pain medication.If you feel you are not getting relief after surgery with this combination, then you can always contact your doctor's office and change the medication. Not all medication works the same on each patient, so plastic surgeons are used to finding a combination that works.My advice is to follow your plastic surgeon's directions and if that doesn't work for you after surgery, call him and make a change.Good Luck!

Georgios Ziakas, MD, FACS · Answer

Your doctor will prescribe medication that based on your symptoms and their experience is most likely to provide relief of your symptoms. You should follow up with your surgeon after a period of time so they can evaluate your response to the particular treatment or medication regimen.

John W. Menard, MD · Answer

We always use narcotics for the first week ater surgery. However, your surgeon may have felt that he/she  can control pain afterwards without them. I would discuss your concerns with the surgeon before surgery. In Alabama,we can not call in narcotic pain medications over the phone.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

There are many options for pain control and it is likely that your surgeon has found this to be an effective combination for his patients that allows them to avoid the negative side effects of narcotics. If his patients seem satisfied with this, you should too.

Kenneth L. Stein, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

As you know, pain is an extremely subjective reaction to surgery.  Gabapentin and Celebrex can be an extremely effective analgesic combination for post breast augmentation pain relief.  The potential side effects are minimal and if you can avoid narcotics comfortably the you recovey will speed up dramatically.  If it doesn't give you adequate relief then just request that a mild narcotic be added to your anti pain armamentarium.  Less is always better if you are at least comfortable.  Good luck!Dr. Ken Stein

Is it normal for a doctor to only prescribe Gabapentin and Celebrex for pain after a breast lift and augmentation revision?

Answers (6)

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