Exparel: Managing Post-Surgical Pain without Opioids

Today, we are going to talk about Exparel - a fascinating medication that is changing the way we manage post-surgical pain.  Dr. Scot A. Martin, a renowned plastic surgeon at Martin Plastic Surgery, prefers using Exparel in his operating room for its remarkable benefits.


But what exactly is Exparel and how does it work?
Exparel is a long-lasting local anesthetic that provides pain relief for several days after surgery. Unlike traditional pain medications, Exparel works by slowly releasing bupivacaine, a numbing medication, directly to the surgical site. This targeted delivery system helps in reducing the need for opioids post-surgery.


"Exparel is an injectable," Dr. Scot Martin said. "So what we do is we dilute this in about 100ccs of fluid, and then we draw it up and we inject it into the skin as well as the underlying fatty tissue of the abdominoplasty, and that's what numbs everything up."



One of the key advantages of Exparel is its long-lasting effect. Exparel can provide pain relief for up to 72 hours after a single administration, significantly reducing the reliance on opioids during the critical initial recovery period. 

"It's a local anesthetic, like you would get at the dentist's office," said Martin. "The cool thing about this stuff is it lasts about three to four days. We use it for all our tummy tucks, and you can also use it in breasts as well."



By minimizing the need for opioids, Exparel helps in reducing opioid-related side effects and dependency.
This is especially crucial in today's healthcare landscape, where opioid misuse is a growing concern. Dr. Martin recognizes the importance of this aspect, thus prefers using Exparel in his practice. 

Overall, Exparel is revolutionizing post-operative pain management by offering extended pain relief without the risks associated with traditional pain medications. Dr. Martin's preference for Exparel showcases his commitment to providing his patients with safe and effective pain management options.

Schedule your consultation at Martin Plastic Surgery today by calling us at (575)521-7111 or through our online form.