Let’s face it — pain is one of the biggest concerns for anyone considering a tummy tuck or body lift. But what if we told you there’s a new way to manage pain after surgery that doesn’t rely on opioids — and still works exceptionally well?
Meet Journavx™ (suzetrigine) — a revolutionary, FDA-approved non-opioid pain medication that’s transforming how we care for plastic surgery patients.
Why Pain Control Matters in Plastic Surgery
Procedures like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and body lifts are powerful tools to reshape and rejuvenate the body. But they also involve significant soft tissue work — tightening abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, sculpting contours. All of this leads to postoperative soreness that can last for days.
Traditionally, we’ve relied on opioid painkillers to get patients through the first few days. While effective, opioids come with baggage — grogginess, nausea, constipation, and the potential for dependency.
This is where Journavx™ changes the game.
What Makes Journavx™ So Special?
Journavx™ targets a very specific pain pathway — the NaV1.8 sodium channel, which lives in the peripheral nervous system (i.e., the part of your body that sends pain signals to your brain). By blocking this channel, Journavx™ helps reduce surgical pain without affecting your central nervous system.
That means:
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No sedation
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No euphoria or “high”
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No respiratory depression
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No addictive potential
And yes — it actually works.
The Data: What We Know So Far
In clinical trials involving abdominoplasty (one of the most demanding body contouring procedures), Journavx™ cut pain levels by nearly 50% — matching or outperforming traditional opioid combinations like hydrocodone-acetaminophen.
Even better? Patients reported fewer side effects and were more mobile in the critical early days after surgery.
For our patients, that could mean:
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Faster recovery
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Less reliance on narcotics
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Improved comfort from Day 1
How We’re Using It in Our Practice
At Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, we’re always looking for innovative, evidence-based ways to improve the patient experience. For select patients undergoing tummy tucks or body lifts, Journavx™ may now be part of your personalized pain management plan.
We’ll still use a multimodal approach — meaning local anesthesia during surgery, non-opioid medications afterward, and sometimes a limited amount of narcotics — but Journavx™ gives us a new, powerful tool to help you heal more comfortably.
Is Journavx™ Right for You?
Not every patient will need it. And while it’s newly approved and gaining traction, availability and insurance coverage are still catching up (Journavx™ costs around $15.50 per dose at the wholesale level).
But for patients who want to avoid opioids, are concerned about side effects, or have had rough recoveries in the past, it could be a fantastic option.
The Bottom Line
Journavx™ is ushering in a new era of recovery — one where you can bounce back faster, feel better sooner, and rely less on heavy painkillers.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, body lift, or other transformative surgery, let’s talk about whether Journavx™ fits into your recovery plan.
Dr. Sam Jejurikar
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute
📞 Call us: (214) 827-2814
📍 Located in Dallas, TX
🔗 Schedule a Consultation
