Every surgery will have some associated pain, so it is extremely likely that pain control will be one of your primary concerns while considering a tummy tuck. Pain after surgery can be excruciating because of the break in the skin and underlying tissues. Fortunately, with the advancements in medicine and technology, these associated pains can be limited and well-controlled.
Preoperatively, you must discuss the plan for your pain management with your surgeon. You should be aware of and in agreement with the plan for your care immediately after the surgery and for a few days beyond that.
Usually, right after your surgery, a pain pump will be attached to an intravenous (IV) line that may be attached to your arm. You can regulate this pain pump, which is called a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia). It is usually a cassette of medication that is attached to an electronic pump or regulated medicine dispenser. The medication will be fed through your IV access directly or locally to the site of pain. PCA is probably the best option for immediate pain control after surgery since you can control how much medication you receive based on your pain and comfort levels. You can press a button or some other device on the PCA apparatus to deliver more medication when you need it, or you can just let a steady stream of medication, called a basal dose, infuse through you to keep the pain controlled at all time. The nice thing about a PCA is that since you are the one who is aware of your pain, you can receive immediate and adequate pain control based on your pain threshold. Since the analgesic will usually be administered intravenously, the results are very quick and effective. When you pain subsides, usually a few hours or days after surgery, your surgeon will switch to an oral pain-control medication.
It is advisable that you immediately report when the pain you feel becomes more severe. During every assessment, make sure that you communicate appropriately the extent of your pain to your nurse or surgeon. Usually, pain is rated on a scale of 0 to 10. Zero would mean that you do not feel any pain, and 10 would signify the worst pain you can ever feel. By rating your pain appropriately, the surgeon can prescribe the right medication and dose for you. If you underrate your pain, you will not get adequate pain relief. Conversely, if you overrate your pain, you may receive higher doses of medication than necessary. Do not worry about addiction to your painkillers at this time because addiction takes more than just a few weeks of pain medication to set in.
It is also important to choose a well-rated healthcare facility with great patient satisfaction results since the medical staff will be prompt in responding to your needs, especially your pain control needs. Pain that is not adequately taken care of will greatly affect your recovery.
