Post-op Swelling Away from Surgery Site Normal?
asked 2 years ago by steph1205 in NYC
Latest answer by Christopher L. Hess, MD
Question viewed 386 times
Tags: breasts, swelling
Hello! I just had a breast lift with silicone implants, I am in hardly any pain, just a bit of this comfort (it's been about 48 hours since my surgery) but I feel like my BODY is swollen, even my fingers. My feet and ankles are not swollen but my stomach is bigger and like I mentioned before my fingers and face seem to be a lot larger. Is this normal??
5 answers to Post-op Swelling Away from Surgery Site Normal?
+1
Body Swelling After Breast Surgery
Your question is very common. I hear this often "my feet, hands, face etc are swollen." The reason is actually very simple-stress.
First, during surgery the anesthesiologist will usually give the patient enough fluid to replace what was not taken in prior to surgery, what is lost during surgery and to supplement for the lack of fluid after surgery. This is usually 1-2 liters. But more importantly during very stressful events, surgery, your body will...
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Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1
Swelling after surgery
This is incredibly common for two reasons: first, you are retaining fluid which you will start to mobilize momentarily and start peeing this out; second, you are probably somewhat constipated from the combination of being less active as well as taking pain medicine both of which slow down your system. Take a gentle laxative like pericolace which also contains a stool softener. This is an over the counter product.
Roger J. Friedman, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon
+1
Swelling after breast surgery
The surgery on your breasts would not cause lots of swelling in other areas of your body, especially your abdomen. Sometimes the intravenous fluid causes swelling that is eventually eliminated by your kidneys. On the other hand, if your fingers feel numb, you should bring this to the attention of your surgeon in case there is some impingement on the nerves to the arms.
Bruce Genter, MD
Abington Plastic Surgeon
Abington Plastic Surgeon
+1
Post operative swelling, breast post-op swelling
Having swelling away from the surgical site can be normal. Typically the fluid that is given during the length of the procedure and afterwards in the recovery room can be noticed in the tissues for several days after the procedure.
The body will deal with the extra fluid by absorbing it and then eliminating it through the kidneys. More concerning would be swelling in just one arm or leg. This may raise concern over something as easily correctable as removal of a dressing...
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Robert Whitfield, MD
Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon
Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon
+1
Swelling after implants
You may received a lot of fluid during surgery, which your body will start to eliminate ove rthe next several days. If you are having trouble breathing or seem to swell with medication, you should contact your surgeon immediately. Good luck, /nsn.
Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
New York Plastic Surgeon