Non-Opioid Recovery
Modern surgery should not require opioids for most patients. Our enhanced recovery program is designed to prove it.
Rethinking What Recovery Feels Like
The most common thing patients say at their first postoperative visit: “I can’t believe how good I feel.” That is not luck. It is protocol.
Dr. Jejurikar has built a comprehensive enhanced-recovery program (ERAS: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) into every procedure he performs. The goal is simple: control pain at its source, before it starts, from multiple directions at once, so that opioids become unnecessary for most patients rather than the default.
The Pillars of the Protocol
- Next-generation non-opioid medication. Dr. Jejurikar was an early adopter of Journavx® (suzetrigine), the first FDA-approved medication in a new class that blocks pain signals at the nerve itself, without opioid side effects, sedation, or addiction risk. It is started before surgery and continued on a schedule afterward.
- Long-acting nerve blocks. Targeted local anesthetic blocks quiet the surgical area during the most important early hours of recovery.
- Nausea prevention, not nausea treatment. Preventive anti-nausea medication is given before surgery begins, because pain control means little if you feel sick.
- Smarter preparation. Patients arrive metabolically ready, including a clear carbohydrate drink a few hours before surgery rather than a long, depleting fast.
- Early movement. Patients are walking the day of surgery, which speeds circulation, comfort, and healing.
A small rescue supply of traditional pain medication is still provided for the rare patient who needs it. Most never open the bottle.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Support
For patients who want to optimize healing further, Dr. Jejurikar offers postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy through Foundry Hyperbaric & Wellness Lab, located just moments from his office. Pressurized oxygen sessions increase oxygen delivery to healing tissue and are a favorite of his surgical patients aiming for the smoothest possible recovery. Learn more on our Foundry page or at foundryhyperbaric.com.
Scar Care, Built In
Recovery does not end when swelling fades. Every surgical patient receives a structured scar program, medical-grade silicone-based care and sun protection, with in-office treatments available for the small number of scars that need extra attention.
Recovery FAQ
Does non-opioid mean I will be in more pain?
The opposite, for most patients. Attacking pain from several directions before it starts controls it better than opioids taken after pain sets in, without grogginess, nausea, or constipation.
What is Journavx?
Journavx (suzetrigine) is the first FDA-approved medication in a new class of non-opioid pain relievers. It works at the nerve’s sodium channels to stop pain signals before they reach the brain, with no addictive potential. Dr. Jejurikar incorporates it before and after surgery in place of routine opioids.
Is this protocol only for big operations?
No. The same philosophy scales to office procedures performed under local anesthesia, and it is part of why procedures like the awake facelift are so well tolerated.
Is hyperbaric oxygen required?
No, it is an optional add-on. Patients who choose it typically schedule a short series of sessions in the first weeks after surgery. We will help you decide whether it makes sense for your procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation
Every plan Dr. Jejurikar builds starts with an unhurried, one-on-one consultation. Meet with us in Dallas or by virtual visit. Call (214) 827-2814
SAM JEJURIKAR, MDDallas Plastic Surgery Institute · 9101 N. Central Expressway, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75231
214-827-2814 · www.dallasplasticsurgery.pro · Instagram @samjejurikar
Dr. Sam Jejurikar is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas. The information on this page is for education only and is not a substitute for a consultation. Individual results vary. Not all patients are candidates for every technique; candidacy is confirmed at consultation.
