Strong Pain Medication Prescription After Breast Augmentation and Lift

It has and continues to surprise me that patients don't really complain about much pain following augmentation and/or mastopexy. The reason is that the breasts aren't as sensitive as other areas of the body. And the pain is usually described more as a soreness than actual "pain." I typically prescribe both Percocet and Vicodin because most patient don't know which will work better with the least amount of side effects. In addition I prescribe Valium because it relaxes the... more

Dear Candis Pain with any surgery can be controlled by a variety of techniques. The most important steps are 1) pre-operative dosing of pain meds along with a medication to dull the nerves, 2) long acting freezing for the tissues during surgery, 3) post operative mobilization, and 4) good early post operative pain control. You can discuss this with your surgeon. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD

You need to discuss pain management with your plastic surgeon. Both you and he need to be comfortable with how your pain will be managed. After the procedure is not the time to figure out the pain management, especially since you have recognized that this could be an issue.

There is no answer to this other than trial and error. Use of meticulous technique and perhaps the use of bipolar cautery has been claimed to lessen pain but the latter has not been my personal experience. Use of a pain pump is controversial but may provide relief as well. Some anesthesiologists specializing in precise nerve blocks can provide a regional thoracic block to limit perioperative pain. Use of muscle relaxants may also supplement the pain relievers. The use of motrin may be... more

If you have a significant chronic pain issue, most patients are under the care of a pain specialist. This doctor usually is in charge of all pain medicine for that patient.  The pain specialist can work together with the plastic surgeon to help manage post operative pain. There are some techniques such as instillation of numbing medicine at time of surgery.  Temporary pain pumps that drizzle numbing medicine into the pocket after surgery can be helpful as well... more

Please discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. We want our patients to be as comfortable and pain-free as possible after surgery. If your surgeon knows ahead of time, that you have a tolerance for certain medicines appropriate adjustments can be made. If you are under the care of a "pain management specialist" , they can be involved as well to help you.

Pain medication requirements are tailored to the individual. This is a topic you should talk with your surgeon about.  Some patients only need Tylenol while others require stronger meds like Vicodan/Percocet.

 Your should discuss you concerns with your doctor. There are many options for the pain control. Make sure to have open discussions with your doctor about this and any other concerns you have before surgery.