Is Exparel worth it for a tummy tuck?

Question

I'm getting a TT and was offered Exparel. It sounds like it would help, but is it worth it? Any experiences anyone can share?

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

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!

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

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

Alain Polynice, MD · Answer

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

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

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 :)

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

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

Is Exparel worth it for a tummy tuck?

Answers (6)

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