Why Some Plastic Surgery Patients Recover More Comfortably than Others
One of the most common concerns patients have before surgery is: “How much pain will I have afterward?”
While every patient’s experience is unique, advances in pain management have dramatically improved the recovery process. One tool many board-certified plastic surgeons use is EXPAREL®, a long-acting local anesthetic designed to help control postoperative discomfort during the first few days after surgery.
What Is EXPAREL®?
EXPAREL® is a long-acting form of bupivacaine, a local anesthetic that can be injected into surgical areas during a procedure. Unlike traditional numbing medications that wear off within a few hours, EXPAREL® is designed to provide pain relief for up to 72 hours after surgery. The first few days following surgery are often when discomfort is at its highest. By helping control pain during this critical period, many patients find recovery more manageable.
How Does EXPAREL® Help Recovery?
When pain is better controlled, patients may be able to:
• Walk sooner after surgery
• Move more comfortably
• Rest and sleep more easily
• Take fewer narcotic pain medications
• Feel more confident during the early recovery period
Early movement is particularly important after procedures such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, breast surgery, and body contouring procedures. Walking helps promote circulation and can reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
Can EXPAREL® Reduce the Need for Narcotics?
Many patients are interested in minimizing their use of opioid pain medications. While every patient is different and some may still require prescription pain medication, EXPAREL® is often incorporated into a multimodal pain management plan designed to reduce overall narcotic requirements.
Less reliance on narcotics may help decrease common side effects such as:
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
Many patients appreciate feeling more alert and comfortable during recovery. Does EXPAREL® Help Patients Return to Work Sooner?
There is no guarantee that any medication will shorten recovery time or allow an earlier return to work. Recovery depends on the procedure performed, the patient’s overall health, and individual healing patterns. However, patients who experience better pain control often find it easier to resume light daily activities and become more independent during the early stages of recovery. For many patients, the ability to move comfortably, sleep better, and require fewer narcotic medications contributes to a smoother overall recovery experience.
What Procedures Commonly Use EXPAREL®?
EXPAREL® may be used during a variety of plastic surgery procedures, including:
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Mommy makeover
• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• Body contouring after weight loss
Your surgeon will determine whether EXPAREL® is appropriate based on your procedure and medical history.
Is EXPAREL® Right for Everyone?
Not every patient is a candidate, and not every procedure requires it. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss pain management options and develop a recovery plan tailored to your needs. The goal is not simply to reduce pain—it is to help patients recover safely, move comfortably, and return to their daily activities with confidence.
The Bottom Line
Modern plastic surgery recovery has come a long way. By combining surgical expertise with advanced pain management techniques such as EXPAREL®, many patients experience a more comfortable recovery and reduced reliance on narcotic medications.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, ask your board-certified plastic surgeon about the pain management options available and what you can expect during your recovery journey.
