Lightheaded After Tummy Tuck Surgery

I would discuss this with your surgeon. Two issues come to mind. One is that you may be anemic and have a low blood count which may be due to bleeding. The other and more likely explanation is that you are simply dehydrated.

Thank you for your question regarding the lightheadedness you are experiencing 2 1/2 weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. It's important to address any new symptoms following surgery to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.

Feeling lightheaded after a tummy tuck can occur but isn't something to take lightly, especially if it's causing you to feel like you might pass out. There are several potential reasons why you might be feeling this way:

Dehydration: After surgery, especially involving significant procedures like a tummy tuck, staying adequately hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can lead to lightheadedness and dizziness.
Anemia: If you experienced significant blood loss during surgery, you might be anemic, which can cause symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, and weakness.
Medications: Post-operative medications, including painkillers, can sometimes cause lightheadedness as a side effect.
Reduced Caloric Intake: If your diet isn’t providing enough calories, this can also contribute to feelings of weakness and dizziness.
Infection: Although less common, an infection related to the surgery can lead to systemic symptoms like lightheadedness.
Given that this is a new issue post-surgery, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon or healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can evaluate your symptoms and potentially recommend blood tests to check for anemia or signs of infection, assess your hydration status, and review the medications you are taking to determine if they could be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, eating a balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins, and getting adequate rest. Avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, and continue to monitor your symptoms.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and have these symptoms evaluated by your doctor to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue. Good luck with your recovery, and I hope you feel better soon.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

All surgeries are physically stressful.  You may have a baseline anemia that could have been exacerbated by your surgery.  Speak to your surgeon immediately as this is not the norm. 

Dr. Kavali answered the question well just below.  I would rubberstamp her remarks.  You might be fine but I would report this to your surgeon.  Blood loss is usually negligible during a tummy tuck, but post-op anemia is possible.  Dehydration, meds, etc. can also contribute.  Pulmonary embolism, which has a lot of other symptoms, can cause this as well and is dangerous.  Call your surgeon.

I hope you discussed this issue with your surgeon.  If not, you should ASAP.  Lightheadedness after any  major surgery could be due to blood loss during surgery (leading to anemia), your pain medications, dehydration, or a number of other things that could be more or less serious.  You need to call your surgeon for her medical advice.

Tummy tucks are an extremely popular and effective procedure to recontour the abdomen. Patients should remember that it is a significant surgery and will require a significant recovery process. For the first several weeks after the surgery, your body is getting used to your tissues being in a new and tighter position. Many patients take that they have a decreased appetite after the tightening of their muscles. During this process, make sure that you continue to stay well hydrated and avoid exercise. As your body becomes more accustomed to the new you, these sensations will subside.

To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below:

At 2 and a half weeks out, you may stil feel a bit light headed after surgery. This may be related to a lower blood count, the healing process, pain meds, etc. First, check with your doctor. You may need to have bloods drawn to check you blood counts. If that is ok, you should drink lots of fludis to stay hydrated and slowly get up from a lying position to a sitting positions, and then sloely stand up. This may be easier for you.

Depending on what your hemotocrit and hemoglobin levels were going into surgery (women are often mildly to moderately anemic) and how much blood was lost both in surgery and post-op in the form of bruising, you could be anemic. Have your doctor check you for orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when you stand) and for anemia. Do this soon before you actually do pass out and injure yourself.

Tummy tuck is a major surgery and there is blood loss that could effect your blood pressure which may in turn cause lightheadedness when you stand. I would recommend contacting your surgeon right away to discuss this.

Hello,
"Lightheadedness" can be due to a number of causes. Most commonly after a Tummy Tuck it can be from dehydration and/or medication. Pain medication in particular combined with dehydration can set you up to feel lightheaded.
Keeping up with hydration status can help minimize this as well as choosing pain pump at the time of surgery, so the need for sedating oral pain medications can be limited somewhat.
Best Regards,
John Di Saia MD