Nothing about surgery sounds pain-free, but a new pain medication on the market seems to be making surgery a more pleasant experience.
Dr. Stephan J. Finical of Charlotte Plastic Surgery explains that Exparel, a local anesthetic injected at the time of surgery, is providing patients with relief from pain and pills after surgery. Dr. Finical is a board certified plastic surgeon and an investigator in a study of Exparel for cosmetic surgery patients. He was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal stating, Exparel “helped reduce pain and the use of opioids.
By: Stephan J. Finical, MD
and Chris Knisley
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com
“Exparel lasts for three full days, it’s extremely effective, and the patients don’t see a rebound of pain after those three days are over,” says Finical. Surgeons say the first three days are the most important in setting the tone for recovery and Exparel is designed to dissolve slowly so that pain relief is an unnoticed constant.
“With this kind of pain relief, prospects for the patient’s health are improved exponentially. When you remove the pain and narcotics from recovery, you’re allowed to be active” states Finical. Increased circulation and proper, open breathing is essential for a seamless transition back into carefree living.
Less Pain, Less Pills
The amount of pain pills a patient takes after an operation with Exparel has proven to be dramatically lower than without. Often, pills are simply taken out of the patient’s own precaution rather than a heightening of perceived pain. With the use of pain medications up 400% over the last twenty years, Exparel is providing a great relief to many that understand the potential hazards of so many pills.
The word has gotten out and Dr. Finical admits, “we’re having people expect a more comfortable recovery.” Patients are so comfortable in their recovery that Dr. Finical has to remind them to take it easy.
Comfort is what Dr. Finical’s patients have come to count on. He says with Exparel there’s typically no pain, no pills, and nothing to stop you from continuing your daily routine.