Tummy Tuck: Q&A
Ask a QuestionPain Medication Injected into Abdominal Muscle During Tummy Tuck?
I've heard that there is a pain medication that is injected into the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck and lasts 72 hours. What is it called? Is it commonly used by surgeons?
Tags:
19 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
Jae9
in Landisville, PA
+1
Exparel for 72 Hour Pain Relief after Tummy Tuck
Exparel can be injected at the time of closure for 72 hour pain relief. This can add several hundred dollars to the cost. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
+1
Exparel and Tummy Tuck
Exparel is a long acting local anesthetic that can be used with tummy tucks. It lasts approximately 72 hours. It can be expensive but if this is something that you are interested in, I would talk to my surgeon and see if they are willing to use it.
+1
Exparel after tummy tuck
The new medication is a form of bupivicaine (marcaine) which we have used to reduce the need for pain medication after the procedure. The result can vary though this long acting local can work up to 72 hours. Definitely something to ask about.
You might also like...
Real Stories
TT July 1st - Counting Down the Days - San Diego, CA
I'm 57, I have 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren to date - Dr Pousti did my BA and...
+1
Pain Medication Injected into Abdominal Muscle During Tummy Tuck?
Injections with local anesthetics are frequently injected into the abdominal muscles via the anterior rectus sheath. This helps with postoperative pain whether the 24 or 72 hr solution is used.
+1
Exparel injected in surgery decreases tummy tuck pain for 3 days
I love Exparel and have been using it since it came out on the market around 6 months ago. My first patient drove herself back to the office the day after surgery to show us something about her dressing. Imagine our shock when she comfortably strolled in! Not everyone has such a complete block, but it cuts the pain by at least half. The drug is not cheap, one vial is around $400 or so, but worth it. I tell patients to remember to take it easy, you forget that you should be relaxing when you...
more
+1
Ways to minimize pain after a tummy tuck
Minimizing pain after a tummy tuck is very important in my practice. This is typically done with oral pain medicine after the procedure, but I also inject numbing medicine into the muscles during the procedure. This medicine is called marcaine and it's great at minimizing pain immediately after the procedure and for a long period of time afterward. This way, you can concentrate on healing and getting back to your normal routine instead of worrying about pain control. ...
more
+1
Anesthetic after tummy tuck
Pain after the tummy tuck procedure is not uncommon, especially if plication (tightening of your abdominal wall has been performed. Various things can be done to alleviate pain after this procedure. The local anesthetic bupivacaine may be injected directly into the sheath enveloping the muscles to provide pain relief, usually for up to a day. Also, the medication Exparel is an extended release, long-acting form of this anesthetic that may last up to 3 days. Some...
more
+1
Exparel can reduce postoperative pain for up to 72 hours
The medication that you are referring to is called Exparel. It is a delayed release form of bupivacaine, a long acting local anesthetic that is commonly used. Being quite new, it is not used by many plastic surgeons yet. Studies have found it to reduce pain levels as well as decrease the amount of pain medication used postoperatively.
Once you have selected your plastic surgeon, you can discuss this medication with him/her.
+1
Exparel The Long lasting Local Anesthetic
Thank you for your question.
I have been using exparel for the last year for my breast augmentation and tummy tuck procedures. It gives pain relief for up to 72 hours after surgery. I have noticed patients require less narcotics for pain relief after surgery. If you are considering a tummy tuck you may want to discuss it with your surgeon.
Good Luck!
Brian Joseph MD FACS
more
+1
Long Lasting Pain Medication
The medication is called Exparel and I have been using it for my cosmetic procedures since it's FDA approval about 9 months ago. It has been a godsend for patients, reducing the use of narcotics greatly. My patient coordinator can give more information. Brian Reedy, M.D. , Wyomissing PA
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
Comments (0)