Exparel is a high-tech new form of a commonly used local
anesthetic (bupivicaine/marcine). It is
FDA approved and is catching on quickly with surgeons who want the best for
their patients in post surgical pain relief.
I have been fortunate to have been one of the first plastic surgeon in
the Bay Area to have used Exparel since April 2012. Patients who have undergone both cosmetic
plastic (breast augmentation, tummy tuck) and reconstructive plastic surgery
(breast reconstruction, hand and leg surgery) have benefited from this
medication. It is currently also being used in general surgery (eg: hernia), orthopedics, and other procedures.
Typically, Marcine/Bupivicaine lasts only 6-8 hours after it
is injected in the surgical area. With
Exparel-- Marcaine + Depofoam technology-- it can last up 72 hours. The most painful time after surgery is
within the first 48-72 hours, so the timing is excellent to address this
critical time. In addition, my patients
can avoid the use of the "pain pump" which basically infuses marcaine
over a period of time, but the inconvenience of the additional tubing and bulbs,
and the possibility of this tubing sitting near an implant, is avoided.
Ultimately, using this medication can help significantly
with pain relief and decrease the use of narcotics which come with significant
side effects -- nausea, vomiting, constipation, mood changes, etc.
Exparel is an excellent addition to my practice and I am
fortunate to be able to offer this high-tech pain reliever to my patients. Ask your surgeon if you might benefit from Exparel for your next procedure.
