Abdominal Bloating After Breast ?

Question

My belly is incredibly bloated. I look like i'm five months pregnant. Wasn't like this before my breast augmentation. I can't even suck my belly in. what's causing it and how can I make it go away. I'm having problems getting my Jeans on :-(

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are describing as "bloating" may well be partly constipation or retained gas from the effects of anesthesia and narcotic pain medications, BUT there is also a component of post-operative swelling that many BA patients comment on.

	Swelling from your breasts (irrigation fluid, blood, serum, local anesthetic, etc.) is pulled by gravity towards your feet, and often is noted as abdominal swelling. When you are laying down, the same swelling goes towards your back, and can give you lower back discomfort.

	Both are common, transient, and will resolve without anything other than time. If you are constipated or gassy, you should consider stool softeners, a mild laxative, rectal suppositories, or a Fleets enema to get your GI tract going again.

	You didn't say how soon after surgery you are having these symptoms, but I'd guess you are less than 1 week post-op. You should be back to your normal jeans fit within another week or two. Your breasts will take several months to completely settle. Follow your surgeon's advice and don't worry about this. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Abdominal swelling is normal after breast augmentation.  Swelling follows gravity and thus your abdomen (and sometimes the thighs) will experience more swelling and add confusion to the post-op period. You should notice a decrease in the abdominal swelling with each week that passes by.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

This is probably related to swelling, which you can help get rid of by drinking plenty of water, going to the washroom regularly and walking leisurely around to keep your circulation going. Over the course of a few weeks, your bloated feeling will most likely away. Maximum swelling occurs at about 3-5 days post surgery breast augmentation. Most bruising and swelling will resolve within 14 days. Best of luck!

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	The bloating you are describing is not uncommon due to the effect of the anesthesia and the pain killers (narcotics) your body has been dealing with.

	Time is required for you to get back to how you were before the surgery. Also, if you are not under excruciating pain then lowering the daily dosage of your pain killers could be quite helpful.

	Additionally, some patients tend to put on some weight faster than others if being sedentary during their recovery period.

	Therefore, without a physical examination it is not possible to provide you with definitive diagnosis but I recommend that you consult with your surgeon who knows the full details of your surgery.

	I hope this helps.

	The best of luck to you and congratulations on your surgery.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

After surgery narcotic pain medications and anesthesia can slow down you intestines and lead to bloating and constipation. Usually stool softeners and suppositories can help. There is also some fluid retention that can cause bloating. You need to go see your surgeon to make sure this is not something more serious.

Abdominal Bloating After Breast ?

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Abdominal Bloating After Breast ?

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