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.

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.