Benefits of Exparel
Tummy tuck completely transforms the abdomen, taking it from flabby and saggy to flat and firm. But it is no secret that the surgical recovery can be uncomfortable, especially during the first few days. Post-operative pain is one of the most common concerns patients have about surgery, and understandably so.
Recently Dr. Joshua Greenwald started offering a new pain management protocol to help tummy tuck patients recover more comfortably. Exparel® is a local anesthetic that provides long-lasting post-surgical pain control with a single dose.
Read on as Dr. Greenwald discusses the incredible benefits of Exparel.
Easily Administered
Exparel is injected directly into the abdominal wall just prior to beginning the tummy tuck. Since patients are already under anesthesia when the medication is administered, there is no pain or discomfort from the injection.
Pain Control for 72 Hours
Exparel is designed to be released slowly but continually for up to 72 hours, which is usually when post-operative pain is most intense. Most of Dr. Greenwald’s patients who rely on Exparel report little discomfort after surgery.
Because pain is better managed with Exparel, patients consume far fewer narcotic medications, or do not need narcotic medications at all. Narcotics are strong and can cause uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, constipation and drowsiness. Many patients are able to ease any post-operative discomfort with only ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Improved Patient Satisfaction
Dr. Greenwald’s Exparel patients report being satisfied with their recovery because they have good mobility and can be active soon after surgery. In general, patients are able to get up and walk around sooner and return to their normal routines quickly compared to patients who recover from tummy tuck without Exparel. As long as patients are careful not to overdo it, they can take short walks and do light stretching to hasten recovery and reduce the risk of blood clots and other post-operative complications.
Patient satisfaction rates are also high with Exparel because patients do not need pain pumps, catheters or other apparatuses to deliver pain medication. These devices are inconvenient and can actually hinder mobility and recovery.
Ensure a Speedy, Comfortable Recovery With Exparel
Dr. Greenwald and our team try to keep our tummy tuck patients as comfortable as possible after surgery. Thanks to Exparel, this has become exponentially easier.
If you are thinking about having a tummy tuck and want more information about managing post-operative discomfort with Exparel, Dr. Greenwald is happy to discuss your options with you. Call or email our practice to request a consultation.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.