EXPAREL® Long-Acting Pain Relief in Norwalk, CT
Pain relief that outlasts the numbing.
EXPAREL® is a long-acting local anesthetic that board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sung Han can place at the surgical site to help relieve pain after surgery and decrease the need for narcotic pain medication.
Serving patients in Norwalk and throughout Fairfield County.
Pain Control Planned Before Surgery
Dr. Sung Han, DMD
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Han plans your pain control before surgery, not after. When EXPAREL® is right for your procedure, he places it at the surgical site as one part of a complete plan for a more comfortable recovery.
Meet Dr. HanA Numbing Medicine That Keeps Working
EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) is a prescription, long-acting local anesthetic. It is bupivacaine, a numbing medicine that has been used for many years, held inside tiny lipid particles that release it slowly after it is placed.
A standard numbing injection wears off within hours, and pain after surgery is often strongest in the first day or two. EXPAREL® is designed to keep working through that window, with pain relief that can last up to 72 hours.
What It Can Do for Your Recovery
Longer-Lasting Relief
Designed to ease pain for up to 72 hours, covering the period when discomfort after surgery is often strongest.
Less Need for Narcotics
Because pain is controlled right at the surgical site, it may decrease the need for narcotic (opioid) pain medication afterward.
Not a Narcotic
EXPAREL® is a local anesthetic, not an opioid. It numbs the surgical area instead of acting on your whole body.
A Single Dose
It is placed once, at the surgical site during your procedure, so there is nothing extra to take or return for.
Procedures Where It May Be Considered
Dr. Han may recommend EXPAREL® when significant discomfort is expected after surgery. Whether it is right for you depends on your procedure and your health.
How It Fits Into Your Care
Your Plan
At your consultation, Dr. Han reviews your health history, allergies and medications and decides whether EXPAREL® belongs in your pain plan.
During Surgery
EXPAREL® is placed at the surgical site as part of the anesthesia plan chosen for your procedure.
After Surgery
Your mouth may stay numb longer than usual. Take care not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue, and follow the written instructions you are given, including any other medications.
EXPAREL® FAQ
No. It is a long-acting local anesthetic that numbs the surgical area. It is not an opioid.
You may. EXPAREL® is one part of a pain plan, and many patients still take non-narcotic medication as directed. It may decrease how much narcotic medication you need, but results vary from person to person.
It is designed to provide pain relief for up to 72 hours. How long you feel it, and how you feel afterward, varies from patient to patient.
No. Dr. Han reviews your health history, allergies and medications first. Tell us if you have ever had a reaction to numbing medicine.
It can. Avoid chewing, and take care with hot food and drinks, until normal feeling returns.
Want a Plan for Comfortable Healing?
Ask Dr. Han whether EXPAREL® is right for your procedure.