What types of pain medications are prescribed for after my neck lift surgery? Do I need to take any medications beforehand? I want to make sure I am not allergic to any before getting prescriptions.
Answer:
The neck lift procedure is done under local anesthesia with oral sedation. The procedure itself is not painful and the patient will be able to go home after the surgery. The recovery is about 4 to 5 days. The post-operative period is not painful, and most patients do not take any pain medication afterwards. I give several medications to my patients for use after surgery, it is important for the patient to identify any medication allergies to us during the consultation process. Pain medication, in the form of Tylenol with codeine, is usually sufficient to control any slight discomfort. If the patient is allergic to codeine, then other pain medication such as Celebrex or Percocet, may be given. Antibiotics are also given post-operatively to help prevent any infection. We usually prescribe Keflex, an antibiotic that is typically very easy on the digestive tract. A 5-day course of oral steroid anti-inflammatory medication is given to help the inflammation decrease faster is prescribed as well. Zofran is an anti-nausea medication that is prescribed, to be taken, just in case the patient feels a little nausea. This medication is placed under the tongue and works very well. Again, it is very important for the patient to alert our staff of any allergies to medications before they undergo any plastic surgery procedure.
Posted by Dr. Bustillo