Pain management options for BBL that are not narcotics?

Hello graceful 728065,
Thank you for your inquiry about non-narcotic pain management options for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, especially considering your anxiety disorder. Managing pain effectively while minimizing the use of narcotics is a concern for many patients.
As you've mentioned, narcotic medications are commonly used for pain control post-BBL, but alternatives exist. Here are a few options:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This is a non-narcotic pain reliever that can be effective for mild to moderate pain. It's important to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid liver damage.
Tramadol: Although technically an opioid, tramadol has a lower risk of dependence compared to stronger narcotics. It can cause some platelet dysfunction, so its use should be carefully considered.
Local Anesthetics: Intraoperative injections of lidocaine or marcaine can provide temporary pain relief during and immediately after the procedure.
Pain Pump: This device can continuously deliver local anesthetic directly to the surgical area, reducing the need for systemic pain medications.
Anxiolytics: Medications to manage anxiety can be beneficial, especially if anxiety exacerbates your perception of pain. These should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
It's crucial to discuss these options with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist. They can tailor a pain management plan that suits your medical history and personal needs, ensuring a comfortable recovery while minimizing the use of narcotics.
Remember, pain management is highly individualized, and what works best for one patient might not be as effective for another. Your healthcare team will work with you to find the most suitable approach.
Wishing you a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Sincerely,

Dear Graceful728065,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative and postoperative protocol to improve postoperative pain, which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure that involves liposuction and fat transfer to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. While pain management is an important aspect of postoperative care, it's crucial to find alternatives to narcotics to minimize the risk of dependence and other side effects. Here are some non-narcotic pain management options for BBL recovery:1. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers:• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This is often recommended for mild to moderate pain relief. It can be effective and is less likely to cause stomach issues compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve): These can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. However, they should be used cautiously as they may increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the healing process, especially during the initial days post-surgery. Consult with your plastic surgeon before using NSAIDs.3. Prescription non-narcotic medications:• Your plastic surgeon may prescribe non-narcotic medications that can effectively manage pain without the risk of opioid dependence.4. Nerve blocks:• Peripheral nerve blocks or local anesthetic injections around the surgical site can help manage pain and reduce the need for systemic medications.5. Ice packs:• Applying ice packs to the surgical area can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing some relief from pain.6. Compression garments:• Wearing compression garments as recommended by your surgeon can provide support, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort.7. Proper positioning:• Following your plastic surgeon's instructions on proper positioning and avoiding pressure on the buttocks can help minimize pain and promote healing.8. Physical therapy:• Engaging in gentle, prescribed exercises as part of a postoperative physical therapy routine can help with mobility and reduce discomfort.It's essential to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your pain levels, as they can provide recommendations based on your individual needs.

In our practice, we do not use narcotics for postoperative pain management for the BBL procedure.
We rely on 800 mg of ibuprofen exclusively.
We’ve been doing this for the last 10 years and it is exceedingly rare patients. Need anything stronger.
We do have an advantage in that we do our procedures with patients awake using a lot of local anesthetic.
While local anesthetic is used during general anesthesia procedures, surgeons typically do not spend nearly enough time meticulously injecting tumescent solution if general anesthesia is used.
When sufficient numbing medication is used and used correctly patients are reasonably comfortable for the first several hours after the operation which tends to be the most painful part.
There are many different ways of managing postoperative pain.
The best is preventative with the use of a lot of local anesthetic. Your plastic surgeon should be able to help you and if they are not helpful, then you can seek the consultation of a pain management expert to guide you through the process.
Even if general anesthesia used ibuprofen is probably sufficient for patients.
This is something you should discuss with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD