Not Just For Wrinkles: Botox Could Play Key Role In Pain Control During Breast Reconstruction

“As surgeons, our top priorities are the safety and comfort of our patients,” said Julio Hochberg, MD, ASPS member and co-author of the study. “We are always searching for ways to decrease pain for breast reconstruction patients and found that using Botox after surgery significantly decreased the pain and discomfort they experienced.”

The study examined women who had mastectomies, followed by breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. The tissue expanders, balloon like devices, were placed beneath the pectoral muscle and slowly inflated to allow time for the tissue to stretch and ultimately accommodate a breast implant.

Unfortunately, tissue expansion causes muscle spasms and additional pain. By injecting the muscles with Botox, the spasms, pain, and discomfort significantly decreased.

In this study, Dr. Hochberg found patients who received Botox injections used 89 percent less morphine in the first 24 hours after surgery, had their hospital stay reduced by one day, and required three fewer physician visits than the control group to achieve the targeted tissue expansion before placing the breast implant.

“Many general surgeons could clearly see the relief my patients received when I administered Botox to the affected muscles,” said Dr. Hochberg. “Now, many of these surgeons are using the injectable for their own patients to help manage pain after certain surgeries of the chest and abdomen.”

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For referrals to plastic surgeons certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and to learn more about reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, call the ASPS at 888-4-PLASTIC (888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org. ASPS is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. With nearly 5,000 members, more than any other plastic surgery organization, ASPS is the definitive voice of the plastic surgery specialty. Viewed throughout the world as the pinnacle of information for new techniques, advances and plastic surgery trends, the society represents 94 percent of all the board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. Ninety-four percent of all ASPS members perform cosmetic plastic surgery and 89 percent of all ASPS members perform reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS, founded in 1931, represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.