Non narcotic post op pain magement after BBL?

It’s possible to recover from a BBL using only ibuprofen.
It helps if the procedure is done awake.
The reason is this. As an awake procedure ALL areas must be injected with numbing solution which keeps patients comfortable for 12 hrs after surgery. When general anesthesia is used surgeons will still inject numbing solution but they never know if all areas are covered bc pt is under general anesthesia. If awake patients will not tolerate the procedure unless it’s numb.
Immediately after surgery after general anesthesia patients I could become a given narcotic pain medication in the recovery area. that is probably enough to them transition onto ibuprofen the first six hours may be more uncomfortable.
When done as an awake procedure because all areas have to be covered with local anesthesia or be numb or the procedure cannot be performed The initial recovery is less painful.
Typically narcotics will be required during the procedure whether you are awake or under general anesthesia. It’s possible to use only ibuprofen after surgery but you may be sore.
High doses of ibuprofen have been sufficient for all my patients for the last 10 years. Once a year or so somebody needs something stronger..
Personally I do all my procedures with patients awake using local anesthesia with mild sedation. Because of proper use of local anesthesia recovery is not that difficult during the first 12 hours. Recovery from these procedures is mostly tenderness and soreness rather than pain. In other words laying still most patients are reasonably comfortable but it’s uncomfortable to move or perform activities.
Patient often described as sensation as having severely overdone exercise.
Muscle pain and stiffness that slowly dissipates after three days. Patient will continue to have some soreness for a few weeks but after the third day pain becomes much more tolerable. Avoidance of narcotic pain medication may be necessary for a multitude of reasons and there are many alternative medication that can be considered depending on what the apprehension is based on.
Some providers no longer prescribe narcotics pain after liposuction or fat transfer procedures.
Individuals with a history of issues with my colleagues should communicate openly with all medical providers so everybody’s on the same page. this is especially true for those in recovery.
Sometimes having a consultation with a anesthesiologist prior to surgery can be useful if patients have unusual circumstances like being on buprenorphine.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD