For decades, the standard approach to surgical recovery was simple but flawed: wait for the pain to set in, then treat it with heavy narcotics. At PCPS, we believe there is a smarter, safer way to heal. We call it the NOVA Protocol™️ (Neuromodulated Outpatient adVanced Analgesia).
This revolutionary, brand-new system is exclusive to us—this system cannot be found anywhere else in Pittsburgh. Whether you choose general anesthesia or awake surgery, we use this exact protocol to safeguard your comfort.
By combining specific medications that target pain at its source—inflammation, muscle tension, and nerve signaling—we aim to keep you comfortable without the "fog" of traditional sedation. This approach allows you to get back to your life faster, with a clear head and a plan that makes sense.
The NOVA Protocol™ is our unique approach to post-operative care. It is an "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery" (ERAS) strategy designed to treat the whole patient, not just the incision site.
Instead of relying on a single strong pill to mask discomfort, we use a "multimodal" approach. This means we prescribe a specific combination of medications that work together to keep you comfortable while actively preventing the unpleasant after-effects of surgery.
For many patients, the side effects of anesthesia and heavy narcotics—nausea, headaches, and dizziness—are worse than the pain itself. The NOVA Protocol™ is designed to mitigate these issues before they begin.
By managing both pain and side effects simultaneously, we aim to make narcotic painkillers a "backup" option rather than a necessity. This allows for a recovery that is clearer, calmer, and much more comfortable.
When you undergo a surgical procedure at PCPS, your care plan is mapped out before you even arrive. While every patient is unique, the core NOVA framework typically includes:
The Primary Controller
You will be prescribed a primary pain medication (such as Journavx) taken on a strict schedule—typically every 12 hours. This acts as your baseline defense, keeping pain levels low and steady so you don't experience drastic spikes.
The Anti-Inflammatory Layer
To reduce swelling and speed up recovery time, we utilize NSAIDs like Celebrex. This targets the deep inflammation that causes soreness, helping you move more easily in the first few days.
The Muscle Support
Muscle relaxants (such as Valium or Robaxin) are used as needed to calm spasms and ease tension, particularly for body contouring or breast procedures.
The Safety Net (Narcotics)
We provide a backup narcotic (like Oxycodone) for breakthrough pain. This is strictly for severe moments when your primary medications aren't enough. Most patients on the protocol use little to none of this medication.
Supportive Care
We also cover the side effects that can make recovery frustrating. This includes antibiotics to prevent infection, anti-nausea medication (Zofran), and fever reducers (Tylenol) to manage chills or aches.
The NOVA Protocol™ works best when followed precisely. Because we are managing your comfort with prescription-grade medications, safety is our top priority.
The 24-Hour Rule
You must have a responsible caretaker stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Anesthetic effects can linger for 24–48 hours, affecting your balance and judgement.
Strict Prohibitions
Alcohol and nicotine are strictly prohibited during your initial recovery. Mixing alcohol with pain medication is dangerous, and nicotine restricts blood flow, which can compromise your healing and incision quality.
Driving Restrictions
You cannot drive for at least 48–72 hours after surgery. Furthermore, you must never drive while taking narcotic pain medication.
Dietary Pace
Your digestion may be slow after anesthesia. We recommend starting with clear liquids and slowly progressing to soft, bland foods to avoid nausea. If you feel nauseated, stick to clear liquids and use your anti-nausea medication.
Our goal is to make pain manageable, not necessarily non-existent. You should expect some soreness, but the NOVA Protocol™️ is designed to keep it at a level where you can do most of your activities of daily living comfortably.
We advise taking your primary pain medication every 12 hours, even if you aren’t in significant pain. It is much easier to keep pain low than to lower it once it has spiked. Staying ahead of the curve is the key to a smooth recovery.
Nausea is a common side effect of anesthesia and pain medications. We provide Zofran (anti-nausea) to help. Taking your antibiotics and pain medications with food also helps settle the stomach.
Rest is vital, but so is movement. You should be up and walking short distances at home with assistance to keep blood flowing. However, avoid lifting anything over 10 lbs or engaging in strenuous activity, which can worsen swelling.
We designed the NOVA Protocol™️ because we believe your recovery experience matters just as much as the surgery itself. By aggressively managing inflammation and nerve sensitivity from the start, we help you skip the "patient" phase and get back to being yourself. This is the modern standard of care, and we are proud to be the only practice in Pittsburgh offering it.
Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and privacy during your visit. We are located in the heart of Pittsburgh and serve patients from all over the world. When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davila or Dr. Turer. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals of looking and feeling your best.
Pittsburgh (Main) Office
3109 Forbes Ave, Ste 500,
Pittsburgh PA 15213
Mon: 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday: 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 4:30pm
