I have nausea 2 weeks after extended tummy tuck etc. Could this be an infection, or an allergic reaction to meds?

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck and Lipo of hips and outer thighs and a fat graft in buttocks on 7/27/15. My recovery was going fine until Friday I began to feel nauseous. My nausea has continued to worsen over the past few days and now I can't take a sip of water without feeling like I may throw up. I am taking Percocet for pain and vitamins in the morning and evening, these also make me feel ill. I also am taking arnica for bruising and swelling. I need to know if my nausea is a sign of infection?

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The nausea is most likely a side effect of your pain medication. Hang in there! As long as the pain, swelling and scars are improving week to week, however slowly, there is still hope for the final outcome. Ask you plastic surgeon if there are any compression garments, stretches or massaging exercises that can help speed your recovery.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Without pictures and a complete physical exam, no plastic surgeon can say for sure that your nausea is not a sign of infection.However, nausea is rarely the first sign of infection.  Infection most often has redness, a break in the skin (usually in the suture line or belly button), pain, a feeling of heat to the touch of any area that may in fact be infected, and especially pain on movement.  Each plastic surgeon has his or her own method of treating post surgical nausea.  A phone call to your plastic surgeon normally will allow the surgeon who operated on you to treat the nausea in whatever way he or she feels is best.  Very often, at least in my practice, the pain pills are the culprit causing the nausea.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Signs of infection are usually redness, excessive warmth and possibly pus discharge in the affected area. Nausea is most likely caused by the medications you’re on. I suggest you ask your surgeon about this. An alternative pain medication may be prescribed.

Gregory Pisarski, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery and new body! I am sorry the nausea is hampering your recovery. Nausea is usually caused by you pain medicine or nutritional supplements in the early post op period. Infection is usually manifest by pain ,redness or drainage from the operative sites, as well as fever ,chills and possibly nausea. Check with your surgeon to make sure  there is no signs of infection at the operative sites and possibly change your pain reliever.Best wishes.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon. The pain medications could be the cause for the nausea and vomiting, not likely for infection.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, if you are still taking medications and naturopathic medications that are new to you system, any of these could potentially be causing nausea.  Your question about other potential causes (like infection) is valid but you would need a proper assessment to rule out other concerning causes of your nausea.

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

What you're experiencing is most likely being caused by your pain medication and the vitamins. If you aren't in a ton of pain try alternating the percocet with tylenol or aleve. Also, never take your medications on an empty stomach.Thank you for your question and happy healing!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi lauren1385Nausea is NOT a sign or symptom of infection.  I am guessing it is medication induced, specifically the Percocet.  Another possibility is constipation and/or dehydration.Let your doctor know so that he can guide you in this.  You don't want to stress the repair with vomiting.Sek

Greg Bancroft, MD, PhD · Answer

Obviously, an infection cannot be ruled out except by a
physical exam with your surgeon, but in my opinion nausea starting 2 weeks
after a tummy tuck is more likely to be a reaction to the medications you are
taking, rather than the primary symptom of an infection. Opioid pain pills like the Percocet you are taking and also Vicodin,
Norco, etc. slow down the intestine motility or movement to a great degree.
Complaints of constipation and nausea - often together - are fairly common when
patients take them. In addition, some patients may develop an allergy to the
medications as they take them over several weeks.If that is the case with you, speak with your surgeon as it
should be relatively easy to fix. There are other medications that you can
use for pain 2 weeks after a tummy tuck and it may resolve your nausea. Best of
luck on the continued recovery!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to providing you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.  Generally speaking, nausea, is very rarely an initial sign of an infection. Unfortunately, many of the medications, including the narcotics (such as Percocet) can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation.  Again, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to medication ( and side effect) management. Best wishes.

I have nausea 2 weeks after extended tummy tuck etc. Could this be an infection, or an allergic reaction to meds?

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