I will be having a tummy tuck with muscle tightening in March, 2017. My plastic surgeon has recommended Exparel to aid in pain relief and healing. The doctor will administer Exparel during surgery for an additional $500. He highly recommends Exparel and he says will help me feel better for the first two to three days because it numbs the area. What are your experiences with your patients (or the patients themselves) regarding the additional cost, the use of Exparel and the results?
February 5, 2017
Answer: Have you used the drug Exparel during a tummy tuck with muscle tightening procedure and what have been your results? Thank you for your question. I started using Exparel when it was first approved by the FDA. Much better on patients than pain pumps (you have to carry around your neck), easier to inject (1 min vs placement of pain pump catheters 20min), cuts down on operative time, pain medication requirements. This in turn leads to less nausea and constipation from narcotics. I advise you take the offer. We do not charge for the Exparel in my practice, but it does cost about $400 per vial. Good luck with your surgery.
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February 5, 2017
Answer: Have you used the drug Exparel during a tummy tuck with muscle tightening procedure and what have been your results? Thank you for your question. I started using Exparel when it was first approved by the FDA. Much better on patients than pain pumps (you have to carry around your neck), easier to inject (1 min vs placement of pain pump catheters 20min), cuts down on operative time, pain medication requirements. This in turn leads to less nausea and constipation from narcotics. I advise you take the offer. We do not charge for the Exparel in my practice, but it does cost about $400 per vial. Good luck with your surgery.
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February 5, 2017
Answer: Experal for pain control post abdominoplasty Thank you for your question. In my practice I use Experal for every abdominoplasty I perform. Several years ago, many of us used a pain pump that dripped 2cc of marcaine into the incision delivering about 48 hours of pain control. Once the Experal came to market, I alternated every other patient with either the traditional pain pump or the Experal. After about 6 months, I went exclusively to the Experal. It is safe and effective at giving patients about 72 hours of pain reduction. It "numbs" the area same as lidocaine and marcaine, it just lasts longer. I include it in the cost of the procedure and just charge our cost. Other surgeons give patients the option. My patients and I have been very happy with the results so I include it and use it on everyone which makes my patients happier with their recovery. I suggest you use it, but it is up to you and your surgeon. Best of luck.
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February 5, 2017
Answer: Experal for pain control post abdominoplasty Thank you for your question. In my practice I use Experal for every abdominoplasty I perform. Several years ago, many of us used a pain pump that dripped 2cc of marcaine into the incision delivering about 48 hours of pain control. Once the Experal came to market, I alternated every other patient with either the traditional pain pump or the Experal. After about 6 months, I went exclusively to the Experal. It is safe and effective at giving patients about 72 hours of pain reduction. It "numbs" the area same as lidocaine and marcaine, it just lasts longer. I include it in the cost of the procedure and just charge our cost. Other surgeons give patients the option. My patients and I have been very happy with the results so I include it and use it on everyone which makes my patients happier with their recovery. I suggest you use it, but it is up to you and your surgeon. Best of luck.
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