Why would some doctors use lidocaine instead of Exparel for a tummy tuck?

Question

I would like to have a tummy tuck and have been researching pain management that goes along with the recovery, I have heard of Surgeons using Exparel, But I read that some Drs have or use lidocaine instead? What’s the difference between Exparel and Lidocaine?

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

Exparel is numbing medication that has a fat molecule attached to help it stay in the body longer usually 4 to 5 days. I used to use marcaine  on a pain pump that would slowly squeeze numbing medicine through the muscle but I now inject Exparel directly into the muscle during the tummy tuck and I found it works 10 times better. Your surgeon just may not be familiar with it but maybe willing to try! But also remember, it is expensive, about $350 per bottle (20cc). I dilute it with 60cc saline and inject 40cc into the muscle  on each side of midline. It’s great

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Exparel is a product that is injected during surgery for pain management.  It lasts two to three days after surgery to give longer lasting relief.  Lidocaine provides pain relief for a shorter time frame but is less expensive.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Exparel is a long acting local anesthetic that lasts up to 72 hours and is useful for tummy tucks and other procedures; it can cost between $300-350 to administer.  Lidocaine is also a local anesthetic but only lasts a few hours and is relatively inexpensive. If you are concerned about post-operative pain control then Exparel is a great way to reduce the number of narcotics or pain pills you may need to take- especially for a tummy tuck. Discuss this in more detail with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Exparel reduces the amount of pain experienced for the first 3 days after tummy tuck by about half. Lidocaine lasts only an hour or two. Less pain over 3 days means less reliance on opioid medications and their side-effects. It is fairly expensive but well worth it.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's a great question. Every plastic surgeon has a different technique that they use for pain control after tummy tuck surgery. During your consults make sure to speak with each surgeon about their protocol for pain control after surgery.

Why would some doctors use lidocaine instead of Exparel for a tummy tuck?

Answers (9)