Is it common to pass out after surgery?

A loss of consciousness after surgery is never normal or expected.  There are numerous causes including over medication, excessive blood and fluid loss, labile blood pressure, or drug reaction.

Passing out or temporarily loosing conscientiousness after surgery is rare but can occur. In the absence of major post-operative bleeding- it usually is caused by fear. It is unpredictable in most people but temporary. If however, it is accompanied by seizures - it should be evaluated by a neurologist. Clear education pre-operatively and adequate volume of fluids should help reduce the possibility.

Thank you for your questions.  Though uncommon, passing out after any surgery can occur due to the stress and imbalance it causes on the body.  Patients may encounter it when first trying to make their way up and out of bed in the morning, or in the process of taking a hot shower in the first few days of recovery.  Take all activity easy for a while after your procedure to avoid this possibility, or at least have another adult provide assistance.  Hope that this helps.

Hi!Thank you for your question.  I've had one patient "pass out", which occurred 2 days after surgery.  She told me that she was taking her pain medication and sleeping throughout the day.  Since she spent most of the time sleeping, she wansn't staying hydrated.  This combined with her pain probably led to her "passing out".  Whether this was a vasovagal response, low blood sugar or low blood pressure from being dehydrated, we never figured out.  By the time she was evaluated, there were no changes to her vitals or labs to help explain the incident and the episode never occurred again.  The best way to avoid this complication, is to remain hydrated and keeping your pain under control.  My best advice to you, if this was ever to occur, is to contact your plastic surgeon immediately or go to the ER for a complete evaluation.  On occasion, there is an underlying issue in your health that may be uncovered by the stress of surgery.Best of luck,Dr. B

It is pretty rare to pass out after surgery, especially breast augmentation.  People pass out for different reasons: anxiety, low blood pressure (which can be due to a variety of reasons), or possibly pain.  Sometimes people can feel faint because they haven't eaten and have stress.  Most feel better when they lay down (which improves circulation to the brain).  After surgery some people have stronger reactions that others to medications which can affect their blood pressure, heart rate, alertness, or other factors.  They may be dehydrated from lack of eating or drinking, or their blood sugar may be low.  Any concerns should be discussed with your surgeon.  Possible complications like this should encourage one to seek a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for your procedure and not a "cosmetic surgeon" who may not even be trained or experienced to handle such medical possibilities.