5kg (11 lbs) weight gain after breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Question

Help? Ive gain 5kg in weight..im 6 days post op..375 cc plus nipple lift..still taking pain relief as nipples are sore..eating less due to tiredness..is this normal..im gutted ????

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.The weight gain you have experienced is normal and temporary. Best wishes.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

In addition to the weight of the breast implants (under two pounds), swelling adds weight. Surgery causes trauma, which results in blood flow to the area and leakage of fluid into the tissues. It may take 3 to 6 months for the swelling to resolve. I ask my patients to avoid scales in the early postop period so they don't mistake the increase in their weight due to swelling for an increase in body fat. Don't get on the scale for a while, and take care of yourself while you recover.Click on the link below to see a breast augmentation patient after she healed.All the best.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a lot of reasons why a lady might experience a mild gain in weight in the early post-op period following breast augmentation.  The most commonly thought of source is the implants themselves, so let's dispense with that right now.  Assuming you've had silicone gel, let's just say for the sake of argument that any differences in density/mass between gel and saline are negligible for our purposes, so 1 cc of gel has the about the same mass (1 gm) as 1 cc of saline (if you have saline implants, that point is moot).  You have 375 cc implants, which times two gives a total increase in the mass of your body of 750 gm attributable to implant gel.  So if we give a little for the shells too, that's roughly 1 kg, or so, of your weight gain.  The rest has to come from some other source, and provided that you are comparing your current weight at 6 days post-op with your weight roughly on day of surgery or day before (and using the same scale under the same measuring conditions, i.e., clothing, time of day, etc), it is highly unlikely that you have packed on a total of 4 kg of "real" weight, meaning either muscle mass, or more dreaded, body fat.  Maybe some of that can be attributed to a bit of fat gain since you may not be as active as you normally are, but I would venture to say that a lot of it is fluid, or edema, in your tissues.  This can be a substantial source of added weight gain, just ask any lady that retains fluid around "that time of the month," and once this fluid is gone the weight normalizes.  At 6 days post-op you might only now be starting to mobilize edema from the tissues around your breasts as well as your feet, ankles, and lower legs, all of which will take on this fluid in some people, and all of which enjoy the ride on the scale with you!  One liter of excess fluid gives you one kilo of your excess weight.  Try to cut back on your salt intake, ask your doctor for a diuretic if you actually have visible signs of fluid retention, and start getting back to your more normal daily activities (with the guidance of your surgeon, of course) and dietary intake.  If this doesn't start normalizing things within the next week or so, run it by your surgeon and get his or her input and advice.  But until then, probably no need to feel so gutted!

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired) · Answer

Sam43,Weight gain due to fluid retention is common after cosmetic procedures of the trunk. The weight of the implants is under 2 bounds, but the remaining 4 kg can easily be explained by normal fluid retention. Soreness, etc will subside, and energy will return.  I advise patients to drink extra fluids, but to avoid high sodium foods to promote clearance of excess salt and water.  I hope that this helps.    Best wishes,     Tom DeWire, MD, FACS     Richmond, VA

5kg (11 lbs) weight gain after breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fluid Weight Gain After Augmentation Mastopexy is Normal

Answer: Fluid Weight Gain After Augmentation Mastopexy is Normal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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5kg (11 lbs) weight gain after breast augmentation. Is this normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fluid Weight Gain After Augmentation Mastopexy is Normal

Answer: Fluid Weight Gain After Augmentation Mastopexy is Normal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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