Breast Augmentation and Pain Relief? Is there a possibility I could become addicted to the painkillers?

Thank you for your question.
Every surgeon is different when it comes to post-operative care, so it is important to ask these questions. It is certainly reasonable to undergo a cosmetic procedure without the use of opioids if you are concerned. With my patients, I use a long-acting nerve block called Exparel which tricks the body into thinking you didn't have surgery for up to 72 hours. Most of my patients are able to get by with just using extra strength Tylenol. If something of additional strength is needed, medications such as Tramadol can be prescribed. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Painkillers are given during and after every surgery to ease the pain a patient might be experiencing. If you take your painkiller as directed you are less likely to have any problems. You will definitely be sleepy right after your surgery. When you get discharged from the hospital, you will also be prescribed pain medication. I ask my patients to take them only if they are in pain. Otherwise, they do not need to take any. Best wishes.

Breast augmentation alone usually does not require opioid medications pre-operatively. Long-acting numbing medication (liposomal bupivicaine aka exparel) can be used during surgery to speed the recovery process. Most women only require over- the- counter medications like Tylenol and Advil to recovery with this approach.
Opioid pain killers do have addictive qualities as well as other side effects (constipation, etc) so it is best to avoid them if they are not required.

Each surgeon has their own pain management protocol after breast augmentation, but most will give opioids for initial pain control. Most women will require pain medications for 4-5 days and will naturally taper off on their own. Your surgeon may add long-lasting local anesthesia during surgery and/or endorse multimodal pain control, such as Tylenol, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants to decrease the amount of opioids you would need after surgery. You would not develop opioid addiction from short term use of pain medications. That being side, there is still a very small possibility that you develop chronic pain after breast augmentation, which could lead to opioid addiction.

Hello, thank you for your question. Welcome to North America. So a breast augmentation does a typical period of about 3-4 days of pain discomfort where you will need pain medications such as an opioid to help. If you have history of addiction there are some alternatives that can be used. You wont be addicted to low dose opioids after 7 days of usage. The pain should gradually improve and you can switch to a strong NSAID. Please talk to your plastic surgeon about what is safe for you to take for pain control as certain medications can thin the blood and cause bleeding. Good luck and hope your transition is a smooth one. Cheers

Dear Laura Scott1309,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

When you wake up, you will still be somewhat sleepy until the medications wear off from your body. Yes, you will be given pain medication initially. However, you will not be given enough to allow an addiction unless you have had an issue with this in the past. If so, please discuss this with your surgeon.

After breast augmentation you will typically wake up from anesthesia pretty sleepy. Most patients go home and nap off and on throughout the day. Your surgeon will give you prescription medication in many cases to help manage your pain. This is only taken as needed and most patients no longer need it after 4-7 days. You can also speak to your surgeon about using Exparel which is injected during surgery for pain management for the first few days.

Properly prescribed and you follow instructions, it is unlikely to become addicted to the painkillers, including for Breast Augmentation. New techniques are being utilized to help minimize or eliminate the need for opioid pain medications as well. Please work with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Thanks for your questions. Most plastic surgeons prescribe narcotic medication for a few days post-breast augmentation. Yes, it is possible to get addicted, but it is unlikely if taken as prescribed. If you have had a problem with opioid addiction in the past, or have concerns, please talk with your plastic surgeon prior to your procedure.
Best of luck.