Postoperative pain varies from patient to patient.  It depends on the procedure.   Operations that are performed on tissues or areas that are in motion tend to be a little more sensitive.  Therefore, tummy tucks can be a bit more uncomfortable because every time one sits up or changes position, there is the requisite tightening of the abdominal muscles and some discomfort.  Breast augmentation and breast reduction tend to be less uncomfortable. Likewise, nasal cosmetic surgery and nearly all the facial procedures carry little postoperative pain burden because there is less movement.

However, the pain threshold is different from patient to patient.  The discomfort can also be a function of swelling and bruising.  For that reason, cosmetic surgeons will typically provide for the patient anti-swelling and anti-bruising medication and, of course, pain medication.  The best indication for what the ideal pain medication is for a given patient is their past experience. 

The surgeon should ask:  “Have you ever had previous surgery, and if so, what pain medications did you take that were effective?”  This will be a guide.  Our experience has been that for most patients, mid-level pain medication such as Tylenol with codeine or Vicodin suffice.

For those patients in whom Vicodin or Tylenol with codeine are not satisfactory, the practice can provide stronger pain medication.  Typically, this is only necessary for a day or two.  Please remember that in the postoperative period, when one is taking narcotic pain medications and less active than usual, there is a greater chance of developing constipation and so that should be foreseen and properly addressed.

Dr. Linder and Dr. Kotler

Dr. Linder is a board-certified plastic surgeon who limits his practice to body sculpting procedures and is the author of The Beverly Hills Shape. I, Dr. Kotler, am a board-certified otolaryngologist.  I limit my practice to procedures of the face and neck.  I am the author of Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon.

Peter Houtz, Crystal Linder, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Linder

Many of our past patients attended the event and were happy to learn more about Latisse, the new, by- prescription eyelash enhancer that makes your lashes longer, thicker and darker.

Our attendees were thrilled to participate in our raffle.  The prizes given out were a box of Latisse, one syringe of Juvederm, a custom Airbrush Tanning Session with Sunset Tan and a full set of products from Revale Skincare.

Everyone is attendance had a great evening. We have already received calls from people asking “When is the next party?”

Dr. Kotler, Helaine Kotler, Suzanne Sena and Michael Levine