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Pain after Breast Enlargement
Home : Cosmetic Plastic Surgery : Breast Augmentation #2 : Pain after Breast Enlargement
By Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACSIn my own experience, operating on close to 2,000 patients for augmentation mammaplasty, I, as their surgeon, have learned a great deal about postoperative pain. Pain is variable and encompasses the entire spectrum from no pain to severe pain. The discomfort or pain is probably due to the stretch of the chest muscles. As the muscles get used to the stretch, the pain diminishes, and is often significantly improved by the third postoperative day.
I published a study (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 24:2004) comparing a commercially available pain pump that delivers continuous local anesthesia to a self-administration system used since 1996. The benefits of the continuous flow system is that it is effective and the patient does not need to be involved. The disadvantage is the cost (approximately $200). The advantages of our intermittent bolus catheter system are that the patient has control over the pain using the system only as needed, the effectiveness of the instillations and the cost (included in the surgical fee). We will discuss these sytems further during the consultation to give you an informed choice as to your preference. Using these devices, patients are more comfortable after their surgery and take fewer narcotics. I have found that when patients take too many narcotics after surgery, that this actually delays their recovery, in addition to causing nausea, light headedness and constipation. I cannot predict who will have pain. Some patients have no pain. Many light pain and some more intense. I can assure you, however, that we will use whatever is needed to help you control your discomfort. You will be given instructions on how to use the various pain control medications to help make this a less scary operation. Click here for a testimonial on the use of pain pumps. Contact Us for More InformationFor confidential personalized information and advice, please complete our information request form or call us at 1-800-640-0290 during business hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST. LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING HOURS NOW AVAILABLE . The Plastic Surgery Center of Manchester, New Hampshire specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, including body lifts, breast enlargements, breast lifts, breast reductions, eyelid surgery, ear surgery, facelifts, fat grafting, liposuction, male breast reductions (gynecomastia), neck and chin surgery, nose surgery (rhinoplasty), surgery after massive weight loss, tummy tucks and BOTOX® Cosmetic for vaginismus. We also offer facial rejuvenation (chemical peels, dermabrasion, Obagi Blue Peels, Glycolic Peels, Microdermabrasion), injectables and facial fillers (BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Perlane® and Restylane®) and advanced skin care to patients from all over New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts). While no responsible practitioner gives guarantees for the work they do on the human body, we can at least reassure you that you will receive the expertise and dedication of over 30 years in practice. Our patients become an important part of our family and we try to get to know each patient individually and customize their treatment to meet their desires. Visit our skincare website to purchase MD Forte, Obagi-C Rx, Obagi NuDerm, Prevage and Vivite advanced skincare products. |
Since 1996, I have been developing a system of indwelling catheters so that after discharge, patients can self-administer a long-lasting local anesthetic to the surgical site, thus reducing the need for narcotics. This in combination with early arm movement, implant mobility exercises, and rapidly getting into their normal routine, has made profound improvements in the degree and length of postoperative pain. I have also been conducting a separate study on the use of muscle relaxants, and this too is an additional non-narcotic pain reliever that many patients find valuable.