At Plastikos we recognize that your surgery may range from a minor procedure done under local anesthetic to a more dramatic intervention requiring general anesthesia and a more prolonged recovery. As such we offer a wide range of both traditional and holistic modalities to help relieve your pain and improve your time to healing and recovery. Discussion with your surgeon will help to find the right combination for your specific needs.
Modalities may include:
Non-narcotic pain medications: This class of medication includes prescription and non prescription strength medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These work well for mild pain or in conjunction with a narcotic medication for more significant pain. These may cause stomach upset and should be stopped if they do. Your physician may ask you to stop taking certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, Motrin TM, Aleve TM) before surgery as they may predispose you to bleeding complications during and after surgery. Please notify your physician if you use these types of medications.
Narcotic medications: There are a wide variety of narcotic medications available to your surgeon to treat your pain. These medications are very strong and occasionally habit forming so your Surgeon will likely only provide enough for the immediate postoperative period to address your acute pain. They may cause nausea and some abdominal discomfort. Notify your doctor if these symptoms arise.
“Pain Pumps”: Certain breast and abdominal procedures will also be a candidate for postoperative pain management with a “pain pump.” These pumps deliver continuous infusions of local anesthetic to the surgical site and can stay in place from 24 – 72 hours. They are then removed in the office or at home as directed. You can ask your surgeon if this method may be useful for your individual pain management.
Actipatch™: This new, FDA approved modality is a breakthrough in reduction of edema and bruising. Edema may worsen your postoperative pain and Actipatch TM may help in alleviating that component of your pain and help quicken your “healing time.” As this is a topical patch, it is not typically associated with any side effects. To download a brochure with additional information, please click here.
Surgical-Tone: This homeopathic remedy is formulated with multiple ingredients to maximize its healing effects. It includes arnica, which aids in decreasing bruising, and other ingredients which have anti-inflammatory properties. Just a few droplets on the tongue postoperatively can aid in speeding up your recovery time. As a homeopathic remedy there are very few associated side effects.
These modalities, and more, including additional supplements, homeopathic remedies and varied holistic interventions, in concert with traditional western approaches will maximize your recovery and healing. Please ask your surgeon to create a postoperative plan just for you!
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