Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Question

Hi I had breast augmentation surgery on Friday ( yesterday) and I threw up a few times and today I began to throw up after eating a soup that I used to like but now it grosses me out I threw up like 3-4 times today because the acid reflux kept making me taste the soup. I also drank prune juice because I'm constipated and I haven't been able to use the restroom but that juice also grossed me out and I threw up a few hours after drinking it. I just want to know if the vomiting is normal?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Post operative nausea and vomiting unfortunately are more common than most plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists would hope for.  Most often, the vomiting is caused by the effects of anesthesia on one's central nervous system.  Often, prescribed medication to include pain medication can have a negative response by the gastro intestinal system.  There are many antiemmetic medications available.  Normally, anesthesiologist, along with sedative drugs, give antiemmetic drugs systemically during the surgical procedure.  Pre operatively, some surgeons and anesthesiologists use Scopolamine patches to decrease nausea and vomiting.  Post operatively, there are many different kinds of pills, shots and suppositories which make the post surgical patient less nauseated and more comfortable.  At this point, I recommend you call your plastic surgeon and let him or her know of your nausea and vomiting.  I am sure he or she has a protocol that will relieve you of these symptoms.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It can be normal to have nausea after breast augmentation, this can be caused by the anesthesia and/or pain medication.  If you weren't prescribed a medication to help with the nausea you need to contact your doctor to let them know how your doing, there are medications to help with nausea.  There are also over the counter medications that can help with constipation, so I would also consult with your doctor regarding that as well.If you would like additional information regarding breast augmentation and recovery, you can download a free copy of my Breast Augmentation Planner at ABetterBreast.com. Best of luck to you.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I am sorry that you are experiencing this unfortunate side effect of surgery and anesthesia.  Some patients are more sensitive than others to the anesthetic medications and the narcotic pain pills prescribed for after surgery.  I would discuss with your surgeon to see if there are other pain medication or muscle relaxants that you could take that may be less apt to cause nausea.  I always advise my patients to take their pain pills with food and try to stay ahead of the nausea by taking the anti-nausea pills.  It is very important to control the nausea and vomiting.  I had a young patient last year who had such pad nausea and vomiting, that the retching and coughing caused bleeding (a hematoma) that required a return trip to the operating room.  I would recommend you talk with your surgeon soon.  Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are having with nausea/vomiting. Yes, these types of problems do occur after breast augmentation surgery. It may be related to the residual effects of anesthesia and/or a side effect of the pain medication you are likely taking. I ask aptients to make sure that they have some food “on board” before taking the narcotics. As you wean off the narcotics, the nausea/vomiting should resolve. The use of antinausea medication ( I use Zofran) may be helpful;  let your plastic surgeon know about the difficulty you are having. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with longer-term.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it can happen.  It's usually from the anesthesia and/or pain medicine and should resolve on it's own over the next few days.  You should call your surgeon and they may be able to call in zofran or something that will help with the nausea.  It will get better and you will get through it.  ac

Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

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Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

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Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answers (9)

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

Answer: Vomiting after breast augmentation surgery - is it normal?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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