Is Exparel worth it for a tummy tuck?

I have found that when a tummy tuck is performed with muscle imbrication (correction of separation), Exparel seems to make my patients more comfortable during the early post-operative period. Good Luck!

Every patient processes pain differently, but if you are worried about your post op pain in particular then yes, I think Exparel would be worth the extra cost. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Pain after a tummy tuck is mostly related to the tightening of the rectus muscles, also called muscle plication.This can be alleviated significantly with the use of devices such as pain pumps delivering a local anesthetic such as Marcaine or with the use of Exparel which is a slow release lyposomal Bupivicaine that can really help with post-op pain in the first 3-4 days after surgery. This can help decrease the need for post-op narcotics which of course helps decrease the side effects of narcotics such as nausea and constipation

Dear Ms. Theneson80,Thank you for your questions.I personally believe intraoperative local anesthesia injection and the use of a postoperative non narcotic pain pump significantly reduces the amount of pain after a abdominoplasty. I include both in all my abdominaloplasty procedures.Obviously if there is a additional fee you will have evaluate the cost/benefit ratio.I trust you have chosen a Plastic Surgeon who is a experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally he/she is 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, R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Dear tbenson80,I have switched to Exparel from On Q pain pumps, and have used it on every TT in at least the past year. I would highly recommend it! It is not just the incision that is injected, but more importantly the abdominal wall muscles, drain sites (if needed), and even adjacent liposuction sites. I don't typically use it on other procedures unless patients have chronic pain issues or an aversion to narcotics.Best of luck! You are in good hands :)

Each patient has different pain threshold and different recovery time.Although Exparel may add slightly on your surgical cost, it will help with post-op pain control for 72 hours.It has minimal risk associated with it; I routinely use Exparel for my patients.Good luck with your surgery and recovery.