I had a Tummy tuck on the 20th, can I take magnesium citrate to help me go to the bathroom for constipation?

Question

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Constipation is a common problem after tummy tuck because of the lack of physical activity and the narcotics.  It is crucial that you take something for constipation.  The longer you wait the worse it will get.  We do use mag citrate although the first choice is miralax.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

This feeling of constipation is quite normal, especially if you have been taking narcotic pain medication. I typically advise my patients to use miralax because it is a gentler way of softening the stool. It may take a day or two but it will definitely work after giving it a little bit of time. Mag citrate will be much harsher and you don't want to strain too much but if you are very uncomfortable, it may be your best option. Best to check with your operating surgeon to see what he or she recommends. Good luck!

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Constipation after cosmetic surgery does occur.  It is usually secondary to taking narcotic pain medication for pain, and can be quite uncomfortable.We usually recommend that our patients take Senna, a laxative at night, to help relieve the constipation, as well as a stool softener like colace. If that isn't helping, we'll recommend Miralax. My last recommendation is magnesium citrate, and if your kidneys are in fine shape, then taking Magnesium citrate should be just fine. You may want to consider drinking just half of the bottle first, and of course be near a bathroom!Best of luck to you!

Mark Schwartz, MD · Answer

Constipation after any surgical procedure results from many causes including anesthesia, pain medication, and possibly anti-nausea medication.  Magnesium citrate can effectively and rapidly treat constipation, however I generally prefer MiraLAX as a first choice since it works much more gently.  Good luck.

I had a Tummy tuck on the 20th, can I take magnesium citrate to help me go to the bathroom for constipation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment for Post Tummy Tuck Constipation

Answer: Treatment for Post Tummy Tuck Constipation

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I had a Tummy tuck on the 20th, can I take magnesium citrate to help me go to the bathroom for constipation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Treatment for Post Tummy Tuck Constipation

Answer: Treatment for Post Tummy Tuck Constipation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.