Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Tummy Tuck W/ Pain Pump Vs. Without?

I am currently consulting with several plastic surgeons about getting a full tummy tuck. I have noticed that some use pain pumps, particularly the On-Q Pump for post-op recovery and some choose not to. When it comes to the recovery, how necessary is a pain pump to being comfortable? Is it enough of a difference to sway my decision of surgeon? Also, I once had hives as a reaction to anesthetic at the Dentist's office. Does this possibly mean I cannot have a pain pump? Thank you!!

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by Kelly5281

Doctor Answers (11)
Community Comments (0)

Recommend pain pump after tummy tuck

Thank you for your question. Yes, pain pumps can be beneficial and at a relatively low cost compared to the entire surgery. Discuss with your surgeon that you may have an allergy to local anesthesia before proceeding.

Improving your tummy tuck recovery

I have performed tummy tucks with and without pain pumps. In my opinion, well-placed injections of long-acting anesthestic right before you wake up provides the best pain relief. With this technique, I have had patients almost pain free for the first 24 hours.

Justin Yovino, MD

13 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Data on pain pumps for abdominoplasty is very "soft" in my opinion

Convincing scientific proof that pain pumps make a significant difference is lacking in my opinion. nothing wrong in using them if patient ok with additional cost for something that may be of marginal value.

Bruce K. Barach, MD

6 reviews

Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

Pain pumps can reduce the need for stronger oral pain meds

I have been using pain pumps for all my abdominoplasty patients for several years now. It is hard to quantify but I do feel it allows my patients to get by with less oral narcotic medications. Clearly this operation can be performed with or without the use of pain pumps. You should select your surgeon based on your confidence and comfort with them performing your surgery. If you select a board certified plastic surgeon you can be sure they will care for you in... more

Tummy tuck with Pain Pump?

You can certainly have a full tummy tuck procedure without the use of a pain pump. Most of my patients opt to do just that. However, I do urge patients to get the pump placed for post operative comfort but ultimately allow them to decide. The extra cost for the pain pump is ~$350 so not too expensive and well worth the price, but I let the patient choose. The pump decreases consumption of oral narcotics, which have their own side effects, and makes it easier to get up... more

Erez Sternberg, MD

10 reviews

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Pain pump and tummy tuck

I carefully read the other responses of my colleagues. I think they make valid points for and against the need of a pain pump. I use a pain pump on almost every tummy tuck. The two detracting comments I see are that pain pumps do not completely eliminate narcotic use and since pain is a very individual response, it is difficult to know if it has helped. I will relate two points. First, I routinely ask my patients who have had a tummy tuck (remember they had a... more

Pain pump

It is feasible to have a tummy tuck and manage your postoperative pain with oral medications. However you may require more of these medications and as a result, have more side effects from the oral medications. This may include nausea, vomiting, and constipation--- all of which you would want to avoid with that surgical procedure.

Pain pump

I don't use the pain pump. It's expensive and doesnt eliminate the need for oral pain medication. I find that the appropriate oral medication can manage post-op pain effectively. Nothing will eliminate pain and I think you have to go with the plastic surgeon with whom you are most comfortable. In terms of a reaction to anesthetic at the dentist's office, it would be wise to call and find out what agent was used but anesthesia and pain medication are two separate things.

Pain Control Pump for Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. You will find that there are many good plastic surgeons who use pain control pumps and there are many who do not. Personally, I use pain control pumps for every tummy tuck patient; whether these devices are helpful or not it is difficult to prove. Best wishes.

Pain Pump?

I think it is really difficult to know the effectiveness of a pain pump. Every patient has a different pain threshold so we can't be sure if a patient's easy recovery was due to the pain pump or her high tolerance to pain. I haven't found the pump to be able to eliminate the need for oral pain medication postop and it is somewhat clumsy and expensive. I give patients the option of using a pain pump but don't feel it is mandatory. I would not recommend... more

The "pain pump" completely changes your post operative experience

Thank you for your question. I have been using pain pumps since 2001 and presented my experiece at national meetings for both ASAPS and CSACPS at that time. In my opinion, it should be offered to every patient that is having an abdominoplasty. If inserted properly, it will dramatically reduce the discomfort from the muscle tightening part of your abdominoplasty. Some surgeons just lay it in the space under the skin - this is not of any benifit at all. In my... more