Is Tylenol #3 and tramadol sufficient for tummy tuck procedure?

Question

Hello I'm wondering if Tylenol #3 and tramadol is a strong enough medication to be prescribed after tummy tuck and lipo?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concern. It depends on a variety of factors including the extent of your tummy tuck procedure and the amount of muscle being plicated during surgery. If you're uncomfortable with this regiment, then seek a second opinion for a plastic surgeon in your area.Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  For most patients a stronger narcotic medication like Oxycodone or Vicodin will be needed to maintain their comfort level in the first weeks after surgery.  This will depend on each patient’s pain tolerance ability, the exact procedure performed (muscle repair or not), and use of any ancillary medication (Exparel/Pain pump).  Talk to your surgeon to get the best advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tu ti,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients and the same goes for pain management. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. I use long lasting local anesthetic during the surgery to provide my patients as much comfort and less pain as possible. Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Morris Ritz, MB, BCh, FRACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is really something you need to discuss with your specialist plastic surgeon prior to your surgery. Each surgeon has their own protocol, but more importantly, everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Your surgeon will be able to monitor your post-surgical pain and offer you the best pain management options to keep you comfortable during recovery and allow you to heal properly. Good luck!
- Morris Ritz, MB, BCh, FRACS

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and rather than trying to do the minimal I can, I prefer to offer the big guns for a couple of days with the expectation they will convert to Motrin 800mg or adding Tramadol then.  I also employ a pain pump that I remove myself at 2 days post-op.  The worse scenario for you is if your prescription is not good enough and  you need something stronger.  Well something stronger requires a triplicate (special prescription) that you must pick up and take yourself to your pharmacy.  If your surgeon won't be willing to write one for you after hours, its advised that you get strongest medication possible.  At least that is how I look at pain management for my patients.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

That is a reasonable combination to have after undergoing a tummy tuck. There are lots of combinations of medications including patient who take intraoperative Tylenol or preoperative Cox-2 inhibitor’s. Most important thing is to find a combination that works for you and if you’re still having pain to change it. You also have to remember that all of the narcotics will cause constipation so to eat a high-fiber diet and take some fiber supplements prior to undergoing surgery with plenty of fluid is also a good idea.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Tramadol and Tylenol #3 is a good combination of medications to take for patients who undergo tummy tuck procedure. Especially if the patient is given a local block during the procedure with long-acting anesthetic such as bupivicaine. Patients can recover more quickly without significant narcotic medications such as Percocet or Vicodin. The degree of pain is also dependent on the post-operative garment and instructions to minimize any tension or unnecessary forces on the surgical area. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon@drjohnsonlee

George Sanders, MD · Answer

In my practice we use a combination of tramadol and a pain pump placed in the area of the muscle plication. Most patients find that this is sufficient. Occasionally we find that a patient is still having a bit more discomfort than they would like and so we also prescribe Norco for a few days.We have been very happy with this regimen because of its lower addictive potential and fewer side effects. We find that Tylenol #3 is a bit stronger than tramadol and so you should find success with the treatment regimen you have described. You might also want to ask your doctor about either a pain pump or local anesthetic injection into the muscle during surgery.Hope you have success with your surgery!

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. For most of patientsTylenol mumber 3 and Tramacet are the only pain relievers required. it is often beneficial to use intra operative bupivicaine as well. A lipoplasty garment with a bit of padding in the dressing is helpful too. The use of intravenous NSAID is recommended as well and administered by your anaesthetist if appropriate near the end of the case. All of which works to minimize the need for heavier narcotics.

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

In my practice, we prescribe oxycodone with Tylenol for 2-3 days after TT.  Thereafter, patients generally do well with ibuprofen or Tylenol alone.  I have not found increased bleeding with ibuprofen.  We also instill a regional block at the conclusion of surgery although the effectiveness of this is a matter of debate.  Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is the best person to discuss any concerns with post-op pain management and can tailor a regimen that best suits your specific needs.  I hope this answer is helpful.  Dr. Reddy

Is Tylenol #3 and tramadol sufficient for tummy tuck procedure?

Answers (12)

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