Belly and thighs very swollen a week after breast implants. Will this go away soon?

Question

My breast augmentation was a week ago and half of my discomfort is my swollen belly and thighs and bloating. will this go away soon?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

You are very early on in the post-operative healing process.  Give your breast implants 3-4 months to settle and for all the swelling to go down.  If you are still having concerns, share them with your surgeon.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The swelling that you are experiencing is not an uncommon experience for patients.  Please be sure that you keep following your doctor's protocol for the healing process and the swelling should subside.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and congrats on your procedure!The GI disturbances you are experiencing are a common side effect of the narcotic meds you have been taking. As for the swelling, it is normal that your body retains water (swelling) after the trauma of the surgery. So you should anticipate the swelling to subside quite soon taking into consideration that you are at the very early stages of recovery.Hang in there and good luck to you!Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

David Dellinger, DO, FACOS · Answer

The short answer is - yes. The body's normal response to surgery is to retain fluids, resulting in swelling and weight gain. As you heal and recover, this fluid balance will naturally restore itself. On some occasions, this may persist longer than a few weeks and we will sometimes place a patient on a diuretic, but you're not far enough along from surgery to consider that.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The likelihood is that the narcotic has caused some constipation and bloating. Water retention is also frequent with this. As you transition off of the pain medication and become more active this should improve. Best of Luck!

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

Yes! Many women experience swelling not only in the breast area, but in other areas of the body. This can be caused by a number of things, but is a normal part of healing and recovery in most circumstances. If there is also a great deal of heat and/or bruising, or if you are worried that the swelling is excessive, contact your surgeon.  I have more information on healing in the article link below.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

Your symptoms are likely cause by your narcotic post op analgesic and/or water retention post surgery.  Usually when you are completely off the post op meds the symptoms will abate. A newer drug Movantik by AstraZeneca will block the opioid receptors in the gut but not the brain. You will have pain relief but no constipation. Ask your surgeon about this medication.

Belly and thighs very swollen a week after breast implants. Will this go away soon?

Answers (7)

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