Which painkillers are prescribed after an abdominoplasty?
June 17, 2024 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Jürgen Dietrich
Dear doctor,
My name is Heike Ehlert and I recently underwent an abdominoplasty. The surgery went well, but since then I have been experiencing severe pain around the scars and overall feeling very uncomfortable. I have already tried to alleviate the pain with conventional painkillers, but they do not seem to be effective enough. Therefore, I am wondering what specific pain medications are usually prescribed after an abdominoplasty.
I am concerned that the pain may hinder me from properly recovering and continuing my daily routine as usual. I want to ensure that I receive the best possible treatment to effectively combat the pain and support my recovery.
Could you please provide me with information on which pain medications are typically prescribed after an abdominoplasty? Are there specific medications that are particularly well-suited for this procedure? What are the dosage and usage recommendations? Are there any potential side effects I should watch out for?
Thank you in advance for your help and support. Your expertise as a surgeon would be very valuable to me in alleviating my pain and promoting my recovery.
Sincerely,
Heike Ehlert
Dear Heike Ehlert,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a surgeon regarding your tummy tuck and the associated pain. I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing strong pain around the scars after the operation and overall discomfort. Pain after a tummy tuck is common, but it is important that it is effectively managed to not impact your recovery and daily life.
After a tummy tuck, pain medication is usually prescribed to help alleviate postoperative pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. These medications can be helpful for mild to moderate pain. It is important to follow the doctor's dosage recommendations precisely and take the medication regularly to ensure consistent pain relief.
For stronger pain after a tummy tuck, stronger pain medications such as opioids may be prescribed. These medications are typically prescribed for a short period of time and should be used with caution as they can be addictive. It is important to follow the doctor's dosage recommendations precisely and limit the duration of intake to minimize the risk of side effects.
In addition to medication-based pain management, there are other measures that can help alleviate pain after a tummy tuck. These include applying cold packs to the affected area, proper body positioning when lying and sitting, and gentle movement to promote circulation and support healing.
Regarding possible side effects of pain medications, it is important to watch out for signs of stomach discomfort, nausea, dizziness, or constipation. If you notice any unusual symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately to discuss further steps.
I hope this information is helpful to you and aids in managing your pain after the tummy tuck. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me again with any further questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Jürgen Dietrich, Surgeon
