My breast augmentation surgery is on March 30th and I was wondering if there are any non-narcotic pain medications that can be prescribed that are not habit forming. I'm in recovery from a heroin addiction as well as a pill addiction to opiates and somas, so I have to be very careful with what I take. I can take baclofen and/or robaxin for muscle spasms and I was thinking of taking tramadol for pain but some of the comments I've read about tramadol make it sound like it can be dangerous as well.
Answer: Pain Management Options Post-Surgery While the vast majority of patients who undergo plastic surgery do take some type of narcotic drug afterward for relief, some people are able to successfully treat their pain with anti-inflammatory drugs such as prescription-strength Tylenol or Ibuprofen. These non-habit-forming drugs might be the first step for you to try. You will need to discuss the Ibuprofen option with your doctor, because there is a greater concern about bleeding with this class of drugs, although usually they are safe especially if taken only for a few days. If the anti-inflammatory drugs don’t work, however, there are some narcotic drugs that are thought to be less addictive than others. Tramadol is one option. It’s a chemical that works as an antidepressant but also has a weak effect on your brain’s opiate receptors, meaning it can provide pain relief but it doesn’t work as assertively on the brain’s reward system (which can lead you back into addiction). It’s thought to be safer for people who struggle with addiction. You will need to work with your physician to weigh the risks and benefits of trying a narcotic drug before going down this path. Thank you for having the courage to ask your question on RealSelf. I hope that my answer helps in your plastic surgery journey. Best Regards, Dr. Naman.
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Answer: Pain Management Options Post-Surgery While the vast majority of patients who undergo plastic surgery do take some type of narcotic drug afterward for relief, some people are able to successfully treat their pain with anti-inflammatory drugs such as prescription-strength Tylenol or Ibuprofen. These non-habit-forming drugs might be the first step for you to try. You will need to discuss the Ibuprofen option with your doctor, because there is a greater concern about bleeding with this class of drugs, although usually they are safe especially if taken only for a few days. If the anti-inflammatory drugs don’t work, however, there are some narcotic drugs that are thought to be less addictive than others. Tramadol is one option. It’s a chemical that works as an antidepressant but also has a weak effect on your brain’s opiate receptors, meaning it can provide pain relief but it doesn’t work as assertively on the brain’s reward system (which can lead you back into addiction). It’s thought to be safer for people who struggle with addiction. You will need to work with your physician to weigh the risks and benefits of trying a narcotic drug before going down this path. Thank you for having the courage to ask your question on RealSelf. I hope that my answer helps in your plastic surgery journey. Best Regards, Dr. Naman.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Non Narcotic Pain Meds for Breast Augmentation I would recommend contacting your surgeon. Then, he or she can decide. Best of luck!
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Answer: Non Narcotic Pain Meds for Breast Augmentation I would recommend contacting your surgeon. Then, he or she can decide. Best of luck!
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March 2, 2017
Answer: Non-narcotic pain meds Thank you for your question. My strong advice is to discuss all medications you are currently on with your board certified plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to recommend pain medication appropriate for your recovery. Best of luck.
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March 2, 2017
Answer: Non-narcotic pain meds Thank you for your question. My strong advice is to discuss all medications you are currently on with your board certified plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to recommend pain medication appropriate for your recovery. Best of luck.
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February 28, 2017
Answer: Breast Augmentation: Pain Relief Information Dear Ms. Ms. Msebenick, Thank you for your questions and story.Asumming gentle surgical techniques here are several intraoperative procedures to reduce postoperative pain. LOCAL INJECTION OF MEDICATION:1) Bupivcacaine 2) Exparel is along acting injectable Bupivacaine .Price difference is significant.Both can be injected locally. NON NARCOTIC PAIN PUMPA pain pump us a mechanical device where there is a external "pump" through which thin catheters are inserted into the surgical site. For the next several days the local anesthestic agent (usually Bupivacaine) is release at constant flow. The thin catheters need to be removed in 3-4 days . Contrasting the two:Exparel1)one time local injection2) works only where injected3)longer 1/2 life of Bupivacaine (effects last longer) Non narcotic pain pump 1) a external delivery system through small catheters 2) can diffuse throughout the surgical site: in breast augmentation or abdominoplasty the anesthestic (Marcaine) fluid can disperse throughout the entire surgical pocket and theoretically cover more area in contrast to direct injection of the Exaparel or Bupivacaine in certain ares thus is only effective where locally injected.3) Some pumps have a "on demand" function where additional local anesthetic volume can be intermittently delivered (with a corresponding lock out period so as not overdose).I personally perfer the pain pump for long term pain relief (3-4 days) and perform local injection of local anesthestic on almost every surgical case. I provide a pain pump to all my abdominaloplasty patients. The pain pump is optional for all other procedures.I trust you have chosen a experienced Plastic Surgeon who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery). My best wishes Dr. R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 28, 2017
Answer: Breast Augmentation: Pain Relief Information Dear Ms. Ms. Msebenick, Thank you for your questions and story.Asumming gentle surgical techniques here are several intraoperative procedures to reduce postoperative pain. LOCAL INJECTION OF MEDICATION:1) Bupivcacaine 2) Exparel is along acting injectable Bupivacaine .Price difference is significant.Both can be injected locally. NON NARCOTIC PAIN PUMPA pain pump us a mechanical device where there is a external "pump" through which thin catheters are inserted into the surgical site. For the next several days the local anesthestic agent (usually Bupivacaine) is release at constant flow. The thin catheters need to be removed in 3-4 days . Contrasting the two:Exparel1)one time local injection2) works only where injected3)longer 1/2 life of Bupivacaine (effects last longer) Non narcotic pain pump 1) a external delivery system through small catheters 2) can diffuse throughout the surgical site: in breast augmentation or abdominoplasty the anesthestic (Marcaine) fluid can disperse throughout the entire surgical pocket and theoretically cover more area in contrast to direct injection of the Exaparel or Bupivacaine in certain ares thus is only effective where locally injected.3) Some pumps have a "on demand" function where additional local anesthetic volume can be intermittently delivered (with a corresponding lock out period so as not overdose).I personally perfer the pain pump for long term pain relief (3-4 days) and perform local injection of local anesthestic on almost every surgical case. I provide a pain pump to all my abdominaloplasty patients. The pain pump is optional for all other procedures.I trust you have chosen a experienced Plastic Surgeon who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery). My best wishes Dr. R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600
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February 28, 2017
Answer: Non-Narcotic Pain Meds for breast augmentation? It's a great question. Only your surgeon can give you specific recommendations for what to take. About 50% of my patients only take ibuprofen. We give ibuprofen and then have a stronger pain medicine available if needed. Your surgeon may have another option available. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.
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February 28, 2017
Answer: Non-Narcotic Pain Meds for breast augmentation? It's a great question. Only your surgeon can give you specific recommendations for what to take. About 50% of my patients only take ibuprofen. We give ibuprofen and then have a stronger pain medicine available if needed. Your surgeon may have another option available. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful