What can I do to get my stomach back to its normal shape?

Question

I had a breast augmentation on 9/24 (3weeks ago) and I am still VERY bloated, I look pregnant and feel very uncomfortable. What can I do to alleviate the discomfort and get my stomach back to its normal shape?

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 may even notice that you've added many pounds on the scale that cannot be explained solely by the addition of implants.  You should notice a decrease in the abdominal swelling with each week that passes by.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You can help get rid of this feeling 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!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

There may be a variety of causes for this. IT could be due to alterations in your intestinal flora or as a side effect from the antibiotics. Probiotics are controversial. IF you are taking any narcotic analgesics, this can slow transit time as well. Discuss your symptoms iwth your surgeon or internist.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

There are multiple reasons you may still be feeling the bloating feeling after breast augmentation.Most frequently, this is a secondary effect of narcotic pain medications.  This is one key benefit my patients receive while utilizing the "24-hour breast augmentation recovery program" among other benefits as they do not require as much, if any, narcotic pain medications and then have to deal with the secondary consequences.  Also, some people are more susceptible to the side effects of anesthesia as well as changes in the microbiology of your intestines with the use of antibiotics, and many more reasons.  I actually recommend that you stay very well hydrated, consider utilizing a probiotic, ambulate or walk around a great deal and work towards resuming your normal activities as long as you are cleared by your surgeon to do so.  I wish you the best of luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are only three weeks post breast augmentation, it is reasonable to still be swollen from surgery. Give it some time to settle.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

Bloating is very common after cosmetic surgery of the breast, and, in my experience, more common in younger patients. This most likely is due to effect of pain medication and/or anesthesia, and should resolve by 4-5 weeks after your surgery.

Amy K. Alderman, MD, FACS, MPH · Answer

First thing I would ask you. Are you stll taking pain medications? Sometime, that can constipate patients and they do become bloated. At this point, you should be off pain medications and to something over the counter. I would increase your fluid intake like water, propel, smart water. Remember the more fluids you drink the more your body expels. The less you drink the more your body retains. Otherwise, if you are not constipated and you are drinking plenty of fluids, I would strongly encourage you to contact your surgeon that performed your procedure and allow them to consider your medical history and further advise. Get better soon.

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Pain medication is a common thing that will keep one bloated after surgery.  I would recommend to stop the prescribed pain medicine and try taking something to get your bowels moving.

What can I do to get my stomach back to its normal shape?

Answers (8)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Would it be wise for me to get a Breast Augmentation if I have psoriasis?

I Am a Small 34c. What Would I Be if I Had 250cc or 300cc Added?

Are 300ml Saline Implants Appropriate Size?

Why Can't I Wear Under-wired Bras After Breast Augmentation?

34B with 425cc - What Size Will I Be?

Should I Still Have Pain and Rippling After 3 Years?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS