Exparel®
Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg introduces EXPAREL® PAIN MANAGEMENT. Our board certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Heppe, Dr. Bautista, and Dr. Aflaki are always researching ways to improve the patient’s experience, and both doctors feel this new product will significantly enhance post operative comfort.
What is Exparel?®
EXPAREL® is a slow-release analgesic that is injected into the new-surgical incision upon completion of the procedure. EXPAREL® can minimize post-operative pain and maximize comfort up to 72 hours.
Being pain-free without the necessity of opioid drugs would certainly be of interest to a lot of people that do not like taking drugs or do not like the “drugged” feeling. For those unable to take opioid drugs this is wonderful news. Maximize pain relief without the need for catheters or pumps which are bulky and cumbersome.
Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg has been the area’s premier provider of cosmetic surgery since 1983. Its surgeons are board certified in plastic surgery. The practice has an accredited surgical facility for cosmetic procedures and its surgeons have privileges at Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford Hospital and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
For more information on EXPAREL®: Click Here
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block
When using EXPAREL® the slow-release analgesic, the transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block is a peripheral nerve block designed to anesthetize the nerves supplying the anterior abdominal wall.
TAP block is a relatively new way of anesthetizing nerves. The block works by numbing the abdomen after surgery to help improve patient comfort. The TAP block is performed in the operating room while the patient is asleep.
Patients having lower abdominal surgery, like a tummy tuck, benefit from a TAP block. In aesthetic abdominal surgery, it markedly reduces the requirement of postoperative pain medications. As a result, there are fewer side effects. Depending on each patient’s perception of pain, there may be a need for additional pain medication after surgery.
