Pain Management in Plastic Surgery.

Poorly controlled postoperative pain is associated with worse clinical outcomes and negative patient experiences. Surgeons play a crucial role in optimizing postoperative pain and minimizing narcotic use. This article reviews pain management strategies available to plastic surgeons based on therapeutic class of medication and provides a framework for pain management based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. The authors have developed a multimodal analgesia regimen to treat postsurgical pain. This article discusses opioids, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, gabapentin, muscle relaxants, steroids, and local anesthetics. It also discusses tumescent analgesia, regional blocks, and epidurals.