Severe bloating after breast augmentation.

Question

I am on day 3 post off and my swelling in my abdominal area is quite uncomfortable. I look around 6 months pregnant and typically I have a lean, flat stomach. I weight around 112 lbs and I am 5'8". I am not taking any of the pain meds and never have, just Tylenol extra strength, Valium twice a day, and the antibiotic. How long will this bloat last? I don't like it!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You're constipated! For sure, stay off the pain pills, add fiber to your diet, walk more, and if you have a rocking chair then rock back and forth. Drinking plenty of water helps too. Soon the bloating will be gone, but you can talk to your plastic surgeon about it if it continues to be an issue. Best wishes & congratulations! Dr. Aldo

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is a common side effect after surgery, especially after just a couple days.  This can be caused from the anesthesia as well as medications you are taking.  You can try taking an over the counter stool softener.  If the bloating and pain continues or is worrisome then this is something you need to discuss with your surgeon.  If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation and the recovery process you and download a free copy of my Breast Augmentation Planner at aBetterBreast.com.Best of luck to you.

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

You can get an ileus (temporarily "paralyzed" bowels) from anesthesia. Best to follow your doctor's advice and let them know. It will resolve, but there are some things you can do to speed things up.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery. The swelling / bloating is likely a result of the anesthesia and post-op medications. Please keep in touch with your board certified plastic surgeon as you continue to recover. Hope this helps!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Lydia,    So sorry you are going through this but it sounds like normal Postop issues that will resolve over the next several days. Stay in touch with your surgeon and check out the link below for a detailed explanation of the postop process. Good luck!

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

This is very common after surgery because of anesthesia and or the medications.  I would recommend you look into a stool softener but you should reach out to your surgeon as each office has slightly different post operative instructions.  Best of luck to you

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, having your digestion system slow down is common after surgery. Typically it can last a week or so. A stool softener can help until you get moving again. I would notify your surgeon... And certainly make sure to be seen if you have any pain, fever, chills, or change in heart rate.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.This can happen after surgery, it is more than likely swelling being pushed out of your breasts by the bra and gravity in to the abdomen. It should start to subside after about a week. Another thing to consider is a stool softner, sometimes after surgery you can become constipated which could lead to bloating. Good luck with healing.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There are many treatments available to you to help your bowels recover after surgery.  Much of this is the result of the anesthesia used during surgery, as well as prescription pain medication.  I would start with drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.  There are over the counter adjuncts that you can try including fiber supplements, prune juice, Senna, and Colace.  If these do not help, I recommend patients Miralax or magnesium citrate.  Be sure to voice your issues with your surgeon. They can monitor you closely to ensure your full recovery.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is often due to side effects from your anesthetics or your narcotics you may be taking post-op.  Best to ask your surgeon on how to deal with this and get it to resolve.  Once your bowels start working normally, life becomes good again.

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