Tummy Tuck W/ Pain Pump Vs. Without?

I have performed tummy tucks with and without pain pumps.  In my opinion, well-placed injections of long-acting anesthestic right before you wake up provides the best pain relief.  With this technique, I have had patients almost pain free for the first 24 hours. 

You can certainly have a full tummy tuck procedure without the use of a pain pump. Most of my patients opt to do just that.  However, I do urge patients to get the pump placed for post operative comfort but ultimately allow them to decide.  The extra cost for the pain pump is ~$350 so not too expensive and well worth the price, but I let the patient choose.  The pump decreases consumption of oral narcotics, which have their own side effects, and makes it easier to get up without too much pain. 

As far as your concern about reaction to the pain medicine. I wouldn't worry about that.  The medication we place into the pump is much different than the xylocaine you had at the dentist, so this shouldn't be an issue. Good luck.