Dr. Abigail Rodriguez, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, offers EXPAREL® to improve the postoperative recovery experience. Whether you’re undergoing a shorter procedure like breast augmentation or a longer procedure like a mommy makeover, EXPAREL® can provide extended pain relief, reducing the need for opioid medications and supporting a smoother recovery.
What Is EXPAREL®?
EXPAREL® is a long-acting local anesthetic containing bupivacaine, a numbing agent. Injected directly into the treatment area during your plastic surgery procedure, it can provide sustained pain relief for up to 72 hours afterward without requiring a follow-up injection.
Am I a Good Candidate For EXPAREL®?
EXPAREL® has revolutionized pain management after surgery, so Dr. Rodriguez includes EXPAREL® as a standard part of all breast and body procedures she performs. During your surgical consultation, Dr. Rodriguez will ensure you do not have any contraindications to receiving EXPAREL®. It is very rare for patients to have contraindications to EXPAREL®. Most patients are able to safely receive EXPAREL® and, as a result, enjoy a more comfortable recovery after surgery.
How is EXPAREL® Administered?
EXPAREL® is integrated seamlessly into your treatment experience. After general anesthesia is started by the anesthesiologist and after Dr. Rodriguez performs some surgical steps, she injects EXPAREL® directly into the surgical site. Its liposomal formulation allows its numbing medication to be released gradually, providing continuous pain relief during the critical first 72 hours after surgery.
The EXPAREL®Post-Op Difference
With EXPAREL®, the plastic surgery recovery process is even more manageable. Patients usually experience less reliance on strong narcotic pain medications, allowing them to focus on returning to their daily activities. And, because EXPAREL® delivers consistent pain relief, many patients find they can walk and move around more comfortably than expected.
Benefits of EXPAREL®EXPAREL®
- Extended pain relief for up to 72 hours
- Reduced need for oral narcotic pain medications
- Faster return to daily routines
- Enhanced overall recovery experience
- Compatible with multiple surgical procedures
How Much Does EXPAREL® Cost?
The cost of incorporating EXPAREL® into your surgical plan depends on the type of surgery being performed and the number of areas involved in the procedure, as this will determine the volume of EXPAREL® that is injected. Surgical duration and specific patient needs may also influence the final price. Dr. Rodriguez and her team will provide a detailed breakdown during your consultation.
Learn More About the EXPAREL® Experience
If you’re considering surgery with Dr. Abigail Rodriguez in Houston, Texas, EXPAREL® could significantly improve your recovery experience. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your treatment goals and learn more about this advanced pain management solution.
EXPAREL® Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take for EXPAREL® to start working?
EXPAREL® begins to work almost immediately after administration at the surgical site. Its effects are sustained, ensuring consistent pain relief for 3 days.
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Can EXPAREL® be used for all types of surgeries?
EXPAREL® is versatile and can be used in many surgical procedures, particularly those of the breast and body. However, its use depends on the surgical modality and the patient’s individual needs, as determined by Dr. Rodriguez.
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Does EXPAREL® enable me to take fewer narcotic medications after surgery?
Yes. Many research studies have demonstrated the power of EXPAREL® in reducing pain after surgery and in reducing the number of narcotic pills required after surgery. Dr. Rodriguez uses EXPAREL® as part of her rapid recovery regimen to help maximize comfort while minimizing reliance on narcotic medication.
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Why is it desirable to minimize narcotic medication after surgery?
Narcotic medications, or opioids, include medications like NorcoⓇ (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), PercocetⓇ (oxycodone/acetaminophen), OxyContinⓇ (oxycodone), and fentanyl. These medications are highly addictive and have negative side effects, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness.
For this reason, Dr. Rodriguez uses a rapid recovery regimen that focuses mainly on non-narcotic medications that help with pain, including TylenolⓇ (acetaminophen), CelebrexⓇ (celecoxib), and gabapentin. In combination, these medications are highly effective in preventing and treating pain while avoiding the negative side effects of narcotics. EXPAREL® is also a key part of Dr. Rodriguez’s rapid recovery regimen, helping you to minimize use of narcotic medication or ideally avoid narcotic medication altogether.