New local anesthetic.....

Yesterday at my consult, I was told of a newer medicine that is given during surgery if you wish to have it. It is an extra $300 but the benifits are to be wonderful. 

It is called "Exparel"     The doc. explained that when you have surgery they give you shots of local anesthetic for numbing in the muscles. He said this usually last for about 8 hrs. after suregery. This "exparel" is a time released local anesthetic that is supposed to last for a week. They said it is very safe and patients have better pain control with it, being that they stay numb for a week. 

I will research it more, as I do everything, but curious if anyone has heard of it or had it used? 

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Sounds wonderful.  I'd try anything that will give your some peace from the muscle repair.  And I'm going to be very jealous of you if it works!

I am confused. Your surgeon said it lasts for 8 hours after surgery and then you say something about it lasting for a week. The product website states it control pain for up to 72 hours, not one week, just an FYI

http://www.exparel.com/what-is-exparel.shtml

My surgeon injected a local anesthetic into me at surgery to help control pain. I would say that my pain was very great following the tummy tuck, even so. I guess it would have been worse without it. I did not pay extra, though.

Yes, I read that also, 72hrs. not a week. I will e-mail and ask for clarification but maybe they will give more of it??? 

The regular pain med they typically give during a surgery is an 8hr. one.....this one that I'm talking about is the one that is supposed to last much longer! 

Do keep me informed because if it works then I will ask for it, too!

I had that and it did seem to help. My incision line stayed pretty numb for a few days. 

I bet that was wonderful! Helps getting over that hump of the dreaded first few days! 

Thanks for letting me know! 

I have not yet read all the responses, but my surgeon said he will be using that as well. My surgery is on 5/27, one week from today. I have major problems with morphine and dilaudid (severe itching) so am really hoping the exparel will help. I will post when I am able (will include a disclaimer about narcotics-induced stupor if I have the capacity to do so, lol) and let you know if it helped at all. :)

I can't wait to hear! Prayers for a quick recovery and smooth surgery! 

My plastic surgeon said it increases the risk for bleeding.  He did not recommend it.