When should I wean oxycodone? 4 days post-op tummy tuck.

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

Thank you for your question.  Each person's postop pain management is slightly different.  It is best to wean your medication slowly so as to keep your pain controlled as it lessens.  I recommend that my patients transition from narcotics to tylenol or ibuprofen when tolerated.  To be sure, discuss with your plastic surgeon.  Best wishes!

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. The recovery experience and pain control concerns will vary from one patient to another; your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to helping you navigate the post op course. Having said that, it is important to carefully titrate your own medication;  it is a balance of achieving adequate good pain control while avoiding over medication/sedation. Generally, the sooner you are able to wean off the medication, the better when it comes to resumption of all types of activities, including normal bowel movements.  Supplementation with muscle relaxants and/or anti-inflammatories (when okayed by your plastic surgeon) may be helpful in the weaning process. Again, communicate your concerns/questions directly with your plastic surgeon who will be in the best position to advise you specifically. Best wishes for a smooth remainder of your postoperative course and an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

As you start moving and exercising more you will feel more pain and discomfort. It is important to follow your PS postop advice in this regard. I would ask your PS regarding the oxycodone dosage and you can try and start self limiting this yourself. If you are having breakthrough pain it may be too early to start reducing the dose.