Is Bloating After Breast Augmentation Normal?

Question

I am 8 days post op, and feel as though I have gained A LOT of weight. My lower abdomen is really tight and hard, and I have lower back pain also. My clothes feel really tight across my thighs as well. I obviously haven't been active compared to what I'm used to, but have been eating relatively the same diet. Surely I can't have put on so much weight in a week?!?

Charles A. Messa III, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Bloating and weight gain are both very common after breast augmentation. Your body will tend to retain fluid as a result of soft tissue swelling that occurs after any surgical procedure. If you are taking pain medicine it can slow down your intestinal tract and cause bloating. The weight will diminish over time as the swelling subsides. Make sure you drink adequate amounts of water, walk as much as you can, and stop taking narcotic pain medicines as soon as you can tolerate it. If you are not moving your bowels it is important to increase the fiber in your diet or try a laxative. If you develop more back pain or abdominal pain you should consult with your physician. I hope you feel better soon.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question...It is not uncommon for patients to retain water as a side effect of the surgery. You are very early post op as well. Give it some time.You can learn more on our social media (Instagram and Snapchat): @realdrsix.
  
Regards,

Rajat Gupta, MD, MS, DNB · Answer

No, there is no link between breast augmentation & gaining weight. The symptoms that you have stated could only be if you have been prescribed any kind of steroids. Kindly consult a board certified plastic surgeon that can examine you and guide you.

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for patients to have weight gain and the
sensation of bloating following breast augmentation surgery.This can occur for a variety of reasons
including swelling at the surgical site, constipation from narcotics use and
generalized fluid retention. Patients
are typically given significant amounts of IV fluids during their surgical
procedure.In addition, the body
responds to trauma or surgery by retaining fluid as a protective mechanism.Under these circumstances, patients can see
significant weight gain from fluid retention following breast
augmentation.This weight gain typically
peaks 5 to 7 days following surgery and, in most cases, resolves spontaneously.Patients
also frequently develop constipation and bloating from narcotic pain
relievers.For this reason, patients
should maintain hydration, ambulate frequently and switch to nonnarcotic pain
relievers as soon as possible.In some
cases, laxatives may be necessary as well. If
you’re concerned about post-operative bloating, a discussion with your plastic
surgeon is appropriate.Your surgeon
should be able to reassure you and make your post-operative experience more
comfortable.

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. Best of luck!

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for the question.  You are still early in
the post operation recovery stage.  It is
not uncommon to feel pain, itchiness, bloating and swelling during this
period.  It usually takes about 8-12
weeks for the wounds to heal and around 4-6 months for the implants to fully
settle. Best of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

An
in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess
your needs and provide true medical advice.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common to retain water after surgery and gain weight most patient return to their normal weight at about two weeks after surgery.

	Good luck

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Bloating after surgery is common and most likely due to the pain medication given for relief.  Water retention is also normal as the body retains water after srugery as part of the healing process.