Plastic Surgeon Questions Plastic Surgeon

What medication is given after plastic surgery?

I will have neck plastic surgery. What medication is given after plastic surgery?

3 Answers

That depends on extent of procedure and the surgeons preference relative to his/her experience performing procedure.
This is a loaded question and depends a lot on your overall health history and any medication allergies. To address postoperative nausea or vomiting, I generally prescribe Zofran (Ondansetron), which is generally safe for most patients; it was originally formulated to help patients on chemotherapy manage their nausea. That said, I will focus my remaining answer on postoperative pain medications since that is the primary concern of most of my patients in my practice.
Generally, at least in my own plastic surgery practice, I am deemphasizing prescriptions for oral opioid narcotics and when they are prescribed, they are for a very short course. I no longer prescribe stronger opioids such as Oxycodone (which is in the popular Percocet brand). Narcotics target opioid receptors which can help target postoperative pain, but they have addictive potential and can be very constipating, to the point of even causing a bowel obstruction if overused or misused. If you are prescribed any narcotics, you must ask about strategies to maintain bowel motility, such as the use of prescription or over-the-counter stool softeners.
Surgery in the face and neck poses a higher risk of postoperative bleeding and hematoma, given the rich blood supply to the head and neck region, especially in males (thicker hair follicles means more bleeding), those with hypertension (high blood pressure), or with any other chronic condition that leads to coughing or straining after surgery (e.g. a respiratory issue such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, or obstructive sleep apnea, OSA).
For these reasons, I may or may prescribe or instruct that one takes nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve, Motrin, or Ibuprofen. NSAIDs also impact the kidneys, so it may not be advisable for anyone with renal issues. In theory, NSAIDs can worsen postoperative bleeding, but I have honestly not found that the case in my years of practice.

Other factors: those with acid reflux issues or who may have undergone bariatric (weight loss) surgery may be more sensitive to NSAIDs and not tolerate them without substantial nausea/vomiting issues or risk for tearing up stomach lining (causing an ulcer).

Again, determining the best course of postoperative medications requires a careful discussion with your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon about your planned procedure, existing medications, allergies (and what the reactions to medications are), past medical history, surgical history, and social history (including use of nicotine-containing substances, alcohol, and any recreational drugs). You must also discuss physical restrictions and downtime, so that you do not overexert yourself after neck surgery, whether it is a cosmetic necklift or a reconstructive procedure to the head and neck region.

Nirav B. Patel, MD, JD, FACS, FCLM
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic, & Oculoplastic Surgery

Patel Plastic Surgery, LLC
11459 Johns Creek Parkway
Suite 240
Johns Creek, GA 30097

Office 470-395-6932
Fax 470-395-6951
Cell 203-710-9952

https://www.drpatelplasticsurgery.com/
There are multiple medicines that are given after surgery.

1. Pain control meds
2. Antibiotics
3. Nausea medicine