Which is safer to use during a tummy tuck: Exparel vs. Standard Bupivacaine?

There should not be much safety difference so long as standard protocols are followed. It is important to make sure maximum doses of medications are not given - which can be done with either exparel or the standard.

Our patients often elect to have Exparel, which is a modified form of bupivicaine, for the tummy tuck. This helps with pain management for the first few days after surgery. Traditional bupivicaine lasts only 6 to 8 hours. The injection is done while the patient is under anesthesia, so there is no pain involved.

Dear RSProfile3598616,
every plastic surgeon has his own preferred technique which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. I have extensive experience with infiltration of lidocaine, bupivacaine and Exparel. I strongly recommend using Exparel. With the vast majority of my tummy tucks, I infiltrate the abdominal tissues with a tumescent solution containing lidocaine, some bupivacaine and epinephrine. Following the muscle plication, a solution of dilute Exparel and bupivacaine is injected into the external oblique muscles and the anterior rectus sheath. My patients generally require very little narcotic in the operating room or recovery room and, frequently only take Tylenol from then on. As a result, they have fewer problems with nausea and constipation and are able to get up and move to decrease the risk of blood clots.