6 days post-op lipo in abdomen and I feel bigger than I was before surgery

Question

I had breast augmentation but I also got lipo in my mid section. I was swollen but felt smaller already right after surgery. Now I'm 6 days post-op have tried EVERYTHING to go to the bathroom (number 2) nothing happens. I'm extremely bloated and I'm swollen still obviously and very uncomfortable. Is this normal to get bigger while you wait a few months to see the actually results? Feeling very discourage. I have been wearing my compression belt religiously

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Bloating and constipation is normal after surgery but you should call your surgeon to discuss this. You want to make sure that it is not something more serious like a fluid collection that needs to be drained. Call your surgeon - he/she should be happy to speak to you.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

Constipation after surgery is a very common problem worsened by anesthesia and postoperative narcotic pain control.  If you have "tried everything" you should call your surgeon as he/she may make some suggestions on what to do next.  Many years ago I ended up admitting a lady to the hospital with abdominal pain after surgery which turned out to be 100% due to constipation.  I believe it is very important to stay on top of this and you should reach out to your surgeon.  As far as swelling after liposuction this too is very common but once again you should check with your surgeon for a postoperative exam to make sure you do not have a fluid collection, bleeding, or any problems....

James R. Benjamin, MD (retired) · Answer

You are still in the acute post operative period.I counsel all of my patients, who undergo Lipo of Abdomen , that the first morning after surgery you feel more thin than the subsequent days for a week to 10 days. It is common, even expected to retain fluid. This can occur to the extent that some clothes may even feel tighter. The feeling of bloating, secondary to constipation , is also expected if you are on narcotic pain pills. The narcotic slows the intestinal motility resulting in constipation and bloating. The sooner you can get off narcotic pain killers, the sooner this problem will dissipate. The constipation should be addressed with stopping of narcotic medication, increased roughage in the diet. increase water intake, and taking a stool softener. Avoiding salt and salty foods for several weeks post surgery as well as a high protein diet will help to reduce fluid retention, edema.

6 days post-op lipo in abdomen and I feel bigger than I was before surgery

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6 days post-op lipo in abdomen and I feel bigger than I was before surgery

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