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Tummy Tuck
Is Exparel Really Effective for 72 Hours or is It Just Snake Oil?
Exparel is great for tummy tucks and makes a substantial reduction in pain compared to more traditional methods of pain control. It also avoids problems like constipation and nausea associated with narcotics. Exparel is marcaine that slowly releases over a several day period so the mechanism of action is well established. I offer it to all of my tummy tuck patients now. We've seen a great improvement in pain control.
Clinical Context
Exparel is a long-acting form of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, packaged in tiny fat-based particles that release the medication gradually. This slow release is why it can ease pain for several days instead of just a few hours like standard local anesthetics. Because less pain means less need for narcotic pain pills, many patients also report less nausea and constipation after surgery. Results can vary somewhat between patients and procedures, but it is a widely used tool for post-surgical comfort.
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