Why am I so bloated after my breast augmentation?

Dear Tashgarr,yes, some patients feel bloated after the surgery and it is a normal. It is probably caused by anesthesia and pain medications. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Congratulations on your recent surgery.  Bloating is very common with patients after surgery.  This should resolve in a few days.  Walking, lots of fluids, and any over the counter medication for constipation should help.  Good luck.

Hello,Thanks for your question. This can be normal due to additional fluid in your system, gas or constipation. Typically these will resolve within a few days. Talk with your plastic surgeon about any concern or ongoing discomfort you have.All the best 

The most common reason for feeling bloated after breast augmentation surgery is constipation. This is usually secondary to narcotic medication taken for discomfort. When concerned, always a good idea to check in with your surgeon.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Thank you for your questions. Bloating after surgery is very common. This should go away in a couple days. If not you can take a stool softener to help. 

Thank you for your question.  Bloating often accompanied with constipation is quite common following surgery especially if you have been taking pain medication.  My advice is to follow up with your plastic surgeon and consider over-the-counter medications for relief.  Best of luck.

Bloating after surgery can be an uncomfortable situation.  Most likely causes include anesthesia and pain meds.  Try to get off your pain meds as soon as you can.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

Hello and thank you for the question. This could be from a combination of factors, including anesthesia (during induction, mask ventilation/intubation, and effect of some anesthetic drugs), narcotic pain medication and body's stress response to surgery among others. All of these can cause a temporary state of intestinal or gastroparesis leading to distension and bloating. It's best that you discuss your concerns with your surgeon and have him/her examine you for reassurance. Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

There could be several reasons why bloating occurs after surgery.  Typically the combination of general anesthesia, pain medication, decreased activity and anti-nausea medication can slow down your GI system.  IV fluids given during surgery can also make patients feel swollen.  We have our patients follow a protocol after surgery to try to prevent post-operative bloating and constipation.  This includes early mobility, drinking a lot of fluids, and taking an over the counter stool softener.  However, if you are in any type of significant abdominal pain, you should contact your surgeon’s office.

Some slim patients may notice swelling of their abdomen shortly after a breast augmentation.  This resolves by it self.  If it is longer after surgery it may be due to constipation especially if you have been using much pain medication.  That too will resolve.