Pain control after a surgery is first priority for patient and the doctor. Many cosmetic surgeries cause no or little post-operative pain, but few produces acute discomfort for a short term. Doctors desire surgeries to be painless, so pain management is recognised as an important part of surgical experience.

Why is pain management important?

Pain management not just keeps the patients comfortable but helps to speed recovery. The risk of after operation complications like blood clots and pneumonia gets reduced. If pain gets controlled, then you can perform vital tasks like walking and relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation that helps to recover fast.

Common post surgery pains

You may be surprised to experience a pain in another area and not the surgery site.

  • Muscle pain – In neck, shoulder, chest or back
  • Throat pain – Throat may feel scratchy or sore
  • Movement pain – Walking, coughing or sitting up activities may trigger pain around incision site

Keeping pain under control

It is sensible to discuss the pain level with the doctor without any hesitation. The nurses or doctors will help you measure the pain between ‘0’ to ‘10’. ‘10’ means the pain is worse and thus numbers convey to the doctors how your treatment is responding. Thus they can make appropriate changes.

Pain management process

Importance is given to pain management post surgery. Specially trained doctors will help patients to minimize the discomfort safely. You will be frequently assessed post-surgery to ensure your safety and comfort. If it is necessary changes or adjustments to the pain management treatment will be made.

Today, major advances in the pain management techniques and product evolution has provided significant support to cosmetic surgeons and patients. There are varieties of options made available for patients care. You can read more about pain management techniques on http://colorado-enhanced.com/

Benefits and risks of post-surgery pain medications

Opioids like Fentanly, Morphine, and Hydromorphone, post surgery

Risks – Causes vomiting, drowsiness, constipation and addiction (rare)

Benefits – These are very strong pain relievers

Opioids for home use – Vicodin, Percocet and more

  • Risks – Causes vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, itching, and nausea. Take the drug with food to avoid stomach updet. Avoid medication sthat include acetaminophen because it can damage the liver. While you are on this drug avoid operating machinery or driving.
  • Benefits – Very effective for modest to severe pain.

Non-opioid analgesics like Tylenol & more

  • Risks – Patients with liver disease or drinking too much alcohol can be at risk. Use the recommended dosage to avert liver damages.
  • Benefits – It is a good option for mild to modest pain and has few side effects.

NSADIs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, celecoxib & more

  • Risks – Common side-effects are dizziness and stomach upset. People with kidney issues, heart failure, stomach ulcers or on blood thinner drugs must avoid NSAIDs.
  • Benefits – Decreases inflammation and gives relief in mild to modest pain.

Natural way to manage pain is relaxation techniques like listening to music or changing your positions. Doctors can prescribe cold & heat therapy to reduce swelling and pain. Deep breaths also help to manage pain for chest or abdominal area surgery.