Cosmetic Surgery can be virtually pain free
Utilization of pain–pump in breast augmentation procedures
Breast augmentation procedures have continued to rise over the last decade.
Since 1992 the number of breast augmentations has increased over 450%, the largest increase in plastic surgical procedures. The growing demand for breast augmentation procedures is always an on going effort to obtain better results with less recovery and using newer and more innovative techniques. Where as the desire for the particular size or shape of the breast is an intimately personal decision, all patients share in a common the initial post operative discomfort associated with these procedures.
Breast augmentation unlike many other plastic surgical procedures has relatively short down time associated with it. However, the first 3-4 days post augmentation can be difficult with regard to pain control. Classically, pain control has been managed for centuries with utilization of narcotics analgesia. In recent years Various other surgical disciplines have began using implantable pain devices to Deliver numbing pain medications directly to the surgical site.
Non-narcotic pain pumps have been used for sometime in abdominoplasty, “tummy tuck†procedures as well as other cosmetic procedures. Recently, these pumps have been approved for use in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction procedures.
There are a variety of catheters available on the market one of which is
The “ON-Q Pain Buster.†ON-Q PainBuster is a high-tech balloon-type pump that is filled with a non-narcotic numbing medication (local anesthetic) that continuously infuses a small amount of medication into your area of discomfort for the critical days following surgery. The ON-Q pain pump and catheter system utilizes a patented technology to administer a controlled amount of pain solution directly into the region the augmentation has been performed. implanted for 3 days after which they can be easily removed by the patient or the physician with little or no discomfort. You may wear the pain pump externally in a fanny pack or clipped to your clothing during your recovery.
During surgery, the surgeon implants a tiny catheter around the surgical area. The catheter remains implanted for 3 days after which they can easily be removed by the patient or the physician with little or no discomfort. You may wear the pain pump externally in a fanny pack or clipped to your clothing during your recovery.
During your recovery when the catheters are in place the utilization of pain medications, such as narcotics, is significantly decreased. Typically without a pain pump, patients will take 1-2 narcotic tablets every 3-4 hours for the first 3-5 days after surgery. It is not uncommon from an anecdotal stand point to see patients who only take 3-4 pills over a 4 day period while the catheter is in place. This decrease in use of narcotics to manage pain allows patients to lead a more active lifestyle, in the initial post operative recovery, still remaining well within the safe limitations of activity
Studies have clearly demonstrated that utilization of pain pumps and catheters in breast augmentation can:
• Decrease pain
• Increase patient satisfaction
• Significantly decrease use of narcotics
• Reduce narcotic side-effects which may include nausea, vomiting and constipation
• Help you get back to your normal activities faster
I believe utilization of the catheters is a dramatic advantage in the armamentarium of the surgeons seeking to provide optimum results and outcomes for patients desiring augmentation.
-Jeremy Z. Williams, M.D.
