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?
July 18, 2018
Answer: My patients LOVE Exparel! 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
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
July 18, 2018
Answer: My patients LOVE Exparel! 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
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
July 18, 2018
Answer: Why would some doctors use lidocaine instead of Exparel for a tummy tuck? 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.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 18, 2018
Answer: Why would some doctors use lidocaine instead of Exparel for a tummy tuck? 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.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
