Minimizing the use of opioids for recovery after plastic surgery
Surgical procedures always bring about an element of pain with them that makes the use of opioid painkillers almost a normal affair post-operation. There are many common opioid painkillers that are commonly prescribed today, including Percocet, Vicodin, Norco, Tylenol with Codeine, among others.
Is prescribing opioid medication for post-surgery recovery a good practice? No, it is not! Studies have shown that opioid abuse is becoming increasingly common with devastating, long-lasting effects on physical and mental health due to continued usage. The need for responsible use and consumer education regarding the effects of opioids has never been higher.
Over the last few decades, the shift to using opioids as an effective painkiller has witnessed massive traction, with the United States being the majority of consumers accounting for almost two-thirds of the world’s usage. However, with increasing efforts on education and awareness regarding opioid abuse, its usage is being considerably reduced and regulated.
If you are undergoing a surgical procedure, it is quite common that you have to deal with the post-operation effects. This mainly includes pain and discomfort as your body adjusts to the new changes. As each individual reacts to pain differently and has different threshold limits, it is important for the surgeon to prescribe medication accordingly. This can help them to avoid over-medicating their patients, which is one of the major contributors to substance abuse.
Additionally, there are other alternatives to reducing opioid use. One such practice is to pre-medicate the patient before and after the surgery with non-opioid painkillers. Additionally, the use of long-acting anesthetics such as Bupivacaine or Exparel, also has significant advantages to reducing the use of opioid painkillers.
A common question that most patients have before undergoing surgery is their likelihood of getting addicted to opioids. However, this is a highly unlikely outcome.
With proper justification for opioid need and prescription of the correct quantity, there are little to no chances that the patient gets addicted to opioids after the surgery. However, there are a few precautions that you can take to minimize risks. Communicating with your surgeon regarding previous medical history, drug abuse, sexual abuse, alcohol abuse, if any, are one of the key factors that can help your surgeon make an informed decision.
Bupivacaine and Exparel are commonly used local anesthetics that have long-lasting effects and benefits. While the former can provide effective pain relief for up to 6-8 hours after the surgery, the latter has effects that can last for up to 3 days when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Is prescribing opioid medication for post-surgery recovery a good practice? No, it is not! Studies have shown that opioid abuse is becoming increasingly common with devastating, long-lasting effects on physical and mental health due to continued usage. The need for responsible use and consumer education regarding the effects of opioids has never been higher.
Over the last few decades, the shift to using opioids as an effective painkiller has witnessed massive traction, with the United States being the majority of consumers accounting for almost two-thirds of the world’s usage. However, with increasing efforts on education and awareness regarding opioid abuse, its usage is being considerably reduced and regulated.
Alternatives to opioid as a painkiller post-surgery
If you are undergoing a surgical procedure, it is quite common that you have to deal with the post-operation effects. This mainly includes pain and discomfort as your body adjusts to the new changes. As each individual reacts to pain differently and has different threshold limits, it is important for the surgeon to prescribe medication accordingly. This can help them to avoid over-medicating their patients, which is one of the major contributors to substance abuse.
Additionally, there are other alternatives to reducing opioid use. One such practice is to pre-medicate the patient before and after the surgery with non-opioid painkillers. Additionally, the use of long-acting anesthetics such as Bupivacaine or Exparel, also has significant advantages to reducing the use of opioid painkillers.
The likelihood of opioid addiction post-surgery
A common question that most patients have before undergoing surgery is their likelihood of getting addicted to opioids. However, this is a highly unlikely outcome.
With proper justification for opioid need and prescription of the correct quantity, there are little to no chances that the patient gets addicted to opioids after the surgery. However, there are a few precautions that you can take to minimize risks. Communicating with your surgeon regarding previous medical history, drug abuse, sexual abuse, alcohol abuse, if any, are one of the key factors that can help your surgeon make an informed decision.
The need for long-acting local anesthetics
Bupivacaine and Exparel are commonly used local anesthetics that have long-lasting effects and benefits. While the former can provide effective pain relief for up to 6-8 hours after the surgery, the latter has effects that can last for up to 3 days when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of pain and discomfort.
