Anesthetic Blocks in Breast Surgery
Your safety and comfort are our top priority. To make recovery after your breast procedure more comfortable, Dr. Emily Kirby offers regional anesthetic blocks, such as the PECS block, which minimizes the need for narcotic pain medication. We want you to focus on healing after surgery, with little downtime.
Here’s what you need to know about PECS Blocks during breast surgery:
What is a PECS block?
PECS I and II blocks are a type of regional anesthetic in which injections of a long-lasting local anesthetic medication are placed directly around specific nerves of the chest while you are already asleep for surgery. The medication calms nerve signals that relay pain signals from the surgical area to the brain. This focused pain management technique dulls pain signals at their source to improve your comfort during (and for hours after) your breast surgery. Less anesthetic medication is then required during the surgery, so patients often wake up more alert and with a lower risk of nausea.
Dr. Kirby uses high-resolution ultrasound guidance to place the injections in specific anatomic locations so that the anesthetic spreads evenly and numbs the targeted nerves.
““I had zero complications or pain following surgery and the results I got are amazing and leave me feeling confident in myself and how I dress. Dr. Kirby even called to check on me days following my surgery, which I thought was very kind considering her busy schedule. Her team is also very kind, respectful, and efficient. I went to 2 other surgeons for breast consultation before finding Dr. Emily Kirby and hands down, Dr. Kirby is the best.”
Which procedures may be paired with PECS blocks?
- Breast augmentation (breast implants)
- Breast lift
- Breast implant removal (explant)
- Breast reduction
- Breast lift with implants
- Breast reconstruction (alternative blocks may be offered)
Benefits of PECS blocks for breast surgery
Dr. Kirby offers PECS blocks as part of a comprehensive, personalized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), multimodal analgesia plan to offer patients several benefits:
- Reduced pain: Dr. Kirby’s patients experience less pain after surgery for a more comfortable recovery.
- Fewer medications: With effective pain control during and after surgery, patients need fewer (often zero) narcotic medications afterward, which is a significant advantage for minimizing side effects like nausea, drowsiness, constipation, vomiting, and dizziness.
- Faster recovery: Better pain management helps make gentle movement during recovery more comfortable, so you can resume your normal daily routine faster.
- Peace of mind: PECS blocks have a strong safety record. Patients can feel more at ease knowing that pain is managed with a safe technique.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Fort Worth Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby or have any questions about your upcoming surgery, please reach out to our Fort Worth plastic surgery office. Dr. Kirby and our team are here to help you through every step of your journey. Call or text (817) 292-4200 to get started.