Enema for constipation post tummy tuck?

Question

Is it okay to use saline enemas after tummy tuck to relieve constipation? I’m prone to constipation and digestive issues (especially when under stress). I’m considering buying saline enemas as last resort if miralax/mineral oil doesn’t work well. I don’t do well with laxatives, they give me a lot of stomach pain.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ohsoplastic,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If you find yourself dealing with constipation following a TT, adding a stool softener, increasing your physical activity, increasing your fluid intake, adding fiber, or using a suppository can be of benefit as well as reducing your narcotic intake. Use saline enemas as a last resort.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. (Keep in mind that an in-person consultation is necessary for the best advice.) Every plastic surgeon has his/her own postoperative protocol and recommendations for postoperative care. So answers here will vary. It is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure the best results. For that reason, you should ask your plastic surgeon directly. Best of luck!
  
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

A better solution to your constipation problem is to  plan before your  surgery. Talk to your PS about a bowel prep 4-5 days prior to your surgery so that you do not have to be worried about constipation post op. This is especially true since  the pain pills tend to  constipate.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

hello and thank you for your question .  yes you can have an enema if the others don't work first.  You can take miralax daily after surgery to prevent constipation.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your recent question and congratulations on your up coming surgery!  I would recommend trying prunes, prune juice, miralax or colace.  If none of this works then you can can try the saline enema. Best of luck!

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question but I'm sorry to hear that all is not perfect.  Unfortunately narcotic pain medications do increase constipation.  Your first step should be to limit or eliminate your usage of narcotics.  I always prescribe a stool softener any time a patient is using narcotics for this reason.  The next recommendation would be for magnesium citrate t help stimulate the bowels.  However, certain patients like yourself, especially those with a history of constipation, will still have issues.  An enema can then be used safely to help along the process and should not hurt your result in any way.  I hope it all "comes out OK" and good luck!

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

Saline enemas are very safe and appropriate to use after a ‘Tummy-Tuck’ or Abdominoplasty. Using a stool softener, beginning prior to the surgery, may help with post-surgical constipation as well. However a saline enema is a great option if constipation develops after surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are prone to constipation you may want to begin stool softeners immediately after surgery.  This may help relieve your symptoms.  If that is ineffective you can speak with your surgeon about laxatives or other alternatives.  Enemas may cause cramping.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you may use enemas, but you might try stool softeners first, and start right when you take you narcotics. I would suggest staying on stool softeners for least 1 to 2 weeks. These are very effective for most people and are not as hard on your system as laxatives. Also, you can avoid the cramping that enemas sometimes give.

Enema for constipation post tummy tuck?

Answers (11)

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