Pain control after tummy tuck/BBL?

Question

Hello, I take tylenol/hydrocodone 5/325 daily for knee pain prescribed by a pain specialist, so I am little concerned that my body is to used to narcotics that percocet would not be enough to control my pain after the procedures. Is that a matter factor ? I am very sensitive to pain . Which are my options ? I know some PS use exparel or pain pump but none of the surgeons that I consulted so far do . Thank you !

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Exparel in my opinion is one of the best things that has come out in a long time to help with pain relief.  We use that all the time with great pain control success. In our practice we write for valium in addition to the pain medication to assist with discomfort.  Talk to your physician and see what he/ she suggests, though I would specifically ask for the exparel.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

I would continue your baseline medications and then supplement with additional hydrocodone.  5/325 daily is not too much.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for using RealSelf.Exparel, in my opinion, is the best way to lower post-operative pain.  It has worked well with my patients.  I always use it.  It not only lessens pain, it allows one to walk easier which is important to lower the risk of blood clots in the legs and pulmonary embolism.My experience with pain pumps is no where near the results with Exparel.  They sometimes don't function.  Sometimes the catheters 'fall out'.You should continue to look for a surgeon who does offer a better way to control your pain.  You deserve that.Dr Spies

Cynthia L. Mizgala, MD · Answer

Narcotics like Percocet are usually prescribed after a tummy tuck to help with pain control. Exparel or the use of a Pain pump definitely helps with postoperative pain control. If you are concerned about your pain tolerance after a Tummy Tuck I would talk to your surgeon about other pain medication regimens that would work for you. Continue to look a for plastic surgeon who uses Exparel or a Pain pump so that you can minimize your postoperative pain.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

You will need to keep searching for surgeons that will use the pain pump, or Exparel injections.  Both of these are very useful to help control pain.

Pain control after tummy tuck/BBL?

Answers (5)

Answer: Exparel or Pain Pump

Answer: Exparel or Pain Pump

Answer: Pain Pump or Exparel

Answer: Pain Pump or Exparel

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Pain control after tummy tuck/BBL?

Answers (5)

Answer: Exparel or Pain Pump

Answer: Exparel or Pain Pump

Answer: Pain Pump or Exparel

Answer: Pain Pump or Exparel

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.