What Medications Are Used During an In-Office Plastic Surgery Procedure?
If you’re considering an in-office procedure, you may wonder how we’ll keep you comfortable. What medications will you receive? How will we numb the treatment area? And what might you need afterward?
At our Scottsdale plastic surgery office, we use medications for several purposes: helping prevent infection, reducing nausea, numbing the treatment area, and managing discomfort. Your specific medication plan depends on your procedure, medical history, and allergies.
Antibiotics
For most in-office procedures, we typically give an antibiotic before treatment. We commonly use Keflex, although we have other options for patients with an allergy.
Be sure to let our team know about any medication allergies or intolerances before your procedure so we can plan accordingly.
Medication to Help Prevent Nausea
We often use Zofran (also known as ondansetron) to help prevent nausea. Addressing nausea is another part of helping you feel comfortable during your visit.
Local Anesthesia to Numb the Treatment Area
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs the area being treated. It helps control pain at the procedure site.
For procedures such as liposuction, we may use a diluted numbing solution called tumescent fluid. This combines lidocaine and epinephrine (which helps decrease bleeding) with sterile saline or lactated Ringer’s solution, allowing us to numb a larger treatment area. For eye procedures, such as an upper blepharoplasty, numbing eye drops are also used.
Medications to Manage Discomfort
Our approach may also include Tylenol and an anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as ibuprofen or prescription ketorolac, commonly known as Toradol.
Ketorolac and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. They are separate medications and should not be taken together. Our team will explain which medications are appropriate for you and when to take them.
For some patients, the plan may include a prescription pain medication such as oxycodone or a medication such as Xanax to help manage anxiety and discomfort.
What About Pain Relief Afterward?
Many of our patients manage discomfort at home with Tylenol and ibuprofen, when appropriate for them. Recovery needs vary, so your plan will reflect the procedure you have and your individual needs.
Before you leave, make sure you understand which medications to take, when to take them, and whom to contact if you have questions.
Have Questions About Your Procedure?
Understanding your medication plan can help you feel more prepared for your visit. We’re happy to discuss what to expect and answer questions about your comfort during treatment and recovery.
To learn more about an in-office procedure at our Scottsdale practice, call our office or schedule a consultation online. We’d love to see you.
Victoria Aimé, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Metropolitan Plastic Surgery | Scottsdale, Arizona
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