Dr. Lehal & Dr. Forgach Pain Management
- In general, post op pain and swelling will get worse before it gets better. For most patients peak pain/swelling will be around the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery.
- During the first 3 days (even if you don’t think you need it) we would like you to alternate Ibuprofen (Motrin) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 3 hours during the day. You do not need to wake up in the middle of the night to take medication. After 3 days you will only need to take Motrin as needed.
- Follow this schedule for the first 3 days throughout the day
- Wake up and take 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin)
- 3 hours later take 500 mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)- over the counter
- 3 hours later take another dose of Ibuprofen
- 3 hours later take another dose of Acetaminophen
- Repeat until bedtime
- For most patients this will be enough to keep discomfort controlled and tolerable. In some cases, we will prescribe something stronger for breakthrough pain.
- For patients who need something stronger, we will prescribe an opioid pain medication like Norco. You will only take this as needed.
- It is important to know that Norco contains Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Therefore, we do not want you to take Norco and Acetaminophen to avoid potential overdose of Acetaminophen. If Norco is prescribed, take that in place of the Acetaminophen
- If an Opioid medication like Norco is needed, you will follow this medication schedule
- Wake up and take 600 mg of Ibuprofen
- 3 hours later take EITHER 500mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) OR take a Norco (DO NOT TAKE TYLENOL AND NORCO TOGETHER)
- 3 hours later take another dose of Ibuprofen
- 3 hours later take another dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) OR take another Norco
- Repeat until bedtime
Other key points to remember:
Lip and chin numbness may last up to 12 hours after surgery because we normally use a long-acting local anesthetic. It is important to take pain medications even if you are still numb as it will allow an easy transition after the numbness wears off.
