• Video
  • How Do I Use a Pain Pump After a Tummy Tuck?
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This is a short video we developed to explain the use of the post operative pain pump. An abdominoplasty can be uncomfortable procedure. At Prima Center, we are quite concerned about keeping you comfortable following operation.

To help with pain control, we have developed a postoperative pain pump. This pain pump will deliver a long acting local anesthetic to your surgical site. This will help to decrease your pain as well as decrease the amount of narcotic medication that you require to keep comfortable. There are several key components to the pain pump that you must become familiar with in order to use it without problems. Take some time to review this video and be sure to ask questions if you don't understand the entire process.

We'll first look at the whole process then break it down into sections. The blue injection port is wiped down with an alcohol sponge. You will notice that the two egg-shaped suction bulbs at the bottom, think of these as the drains on a sink. You will remove the suction of the drains by releasing the plug. You will then attach the injection syringe to the blue port located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. You must remove the red cap from the syringe. Typically it will supply you with 15 pre-filled syringes. Twist the syringe on the blue injection port and then gently inject in the contents of the syringe.

Following the injection, keep the suction bulbs discharged for 30 minutes. This allows the local anesthetic agent timed to soak in and work. Repeat the injections every four to six hours as needed to control pain. We also use your pain medication during this time to remain comfortable.

Now, let's break the process down into individual steps for further clarification. Step one, pre-filled sterile local anesthetic syringes closed with a red cap will be provided. We'll also provide you with alcohol wipes. The other key component is the blue injection port.

The first step is to release the suction cap on the suction bulb. Let the bulb fill up with air. This is a closed system and you will not contaminate the tubing. Next, prepare the injection port by wiping with an alcohol sponge. Wipe five to six times. Remember that this needs to be a sterile process in order to prevent contamination and possible infection. During the entire injection process, the patient should be lying down.

Be sure to remove the red cap from the injection syringe then twist the syringe gently on the blue port. Slowly inject the local anesthetic. Occasionally there will be some seeping around the tubing. This is normal. Next, disconnect the syringe. The port is self sealing. It is very important to wait 30 minutes prior to recharging the suction bulb. This gives the local anesthetic agent time to work. If there's any fluid in the suction bulb, then squeeze it out into the cup. Maintain compression on the bulb while you replace the attached cap.

You may need to repeat this process every four to six hours as needed to keep comfortable. If you have any questions, then please let us know. Most of our patients have been extremely happy with their recovery using this pain pump system.

How Do I Use a Pain Pump After a Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Jeffrey Zwiren describes the use of a post-operative pain pump for pain control after an abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck. This video is a walk-through of how to use the pain pump.