Fever after a mommy makeover, is this common?

Question

Yesterday I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, and breast implant exchange. Today I started running a low fever 100.3. I called my PS and he said I can take what I need to reduce it. I took 2 ibuprofen. He said if it's not gone by tomorrow I would have to meet him at the hospital. Is this common?

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

A low grade fever is very common after any procedure, but especially after a tummy tuck.  It sounds like your surgeon is communicating with you well.  Try to relax and work on deep breathing, good luck, Jane.

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

Low grade temperatures (

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients that have just had surgery can run a little elevated temperature afterwards and you were correct in calling your Plastic surgeon for advice.  An elevated temperature besides being treated with ibuprofen, I would have the patient make sure to take good deep breaths every two hours, get up and walk for circulation for several minutes every two hours, and drink more fluids as you may be a bit dehydrated.  Wishing you a quick recovery.

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

While experiencing a fever after a mommy makeover surgery is not common, it can occur in some cases and may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention. Here are some potential reasons why a fever might develop after surgery:
1.	Infection: Infections can occur at the surgical site or elsewhere in the body following surgery. Symptoms of infection may include fever, redness, warmth, swelling, and increased pain or tenderness at the surgical site.
2.	Inflammatory Response: It's not uncommon for the body to mount an inflammatory response following surgery, which can sometimes lead to a low-grade fever. However, persistent or high fever should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
3.	Reaction to Anesthesia: In rare cases, a fever may develop as a reaction to anesthesia used during surgery. This is more common with certain types of anesthesia or in individuals who have a history of adverse reactions.
4.	Dehydration: Dehydration can sometimes occur after surgery, particularly if fluid intake is inadequate. Fever may develop as a result of dehydration.
If you develop a fever after a mommy makeover surgery, it's essential to contact your plastic surgeon promptly for evaluation. They can assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause of the fever, and recommend appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve antibiotics for an infection, fluids for dehydration, or other interventions as needed.
It's important not to ignore a fever after surgery, as it could be a sign of a potentially serious complication. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can help prevent further complications and support a safe and successful recovery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, a low grade fever is not uncommon after surgery but it is important that you continue to monitor it and communicate with your surgeon.  It is often from the lack of deep breathing since you are sleepy from the anesthesia, sore from the surgery, and have narcotics that you are taking.  Try to take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth several times an hour.  If your physician supplied you with an incentive spirometer you can use that.  Getting up and moving around your home as you are able is also encouraged.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Yes one can develop temps after surgery and it is not unusual. The key is whether there are any associated symptoms with this - pains / swelling / chest symptoms / painful calves / pain on passing urine / breast/abdo swelling etc / skin hot and tender etc. If things don't settle then it would be best to see your PS just to make sure you don't need any treatment  / investigation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, it is not unusual for patients to have low-grade fevers after any type of operation.  Most commonly, the "source" of the fever is the lungs;  the fever usually dissipates with efforts involving deep breathing  and coughing. I encourage my patients to take 10 deep breaths every hour while they are awake. Early ambulation is also encouraged by most plastic surgeons.  Let your plastic surgeon know if the fever does not dissipate. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, it is not uncommon to have a low grade fever right after surgery.  This is typically due to atelectasis of the lungs.  Basically, the little sacs inside the lungs that exchange oxygen collapse down after anesthesia.  For some reason this causes a fever.  Deep breathing and coughing or use of an incentive spirometer will typically reverse the atelectasis.  A fever over 101.5 might be concerning for a possible infection.  Best to listen to your surgeon and follow their recommendations.  Regards,MHS

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

it is very common to get a mild fe er after major surgery. it usually passes quickly. The most common cause is not taking deep breaths so that your lungs are not fully expanded.
Talmage Raine MD
drraine,com

Fever after a mommy makeover, is this common?

Answers (9)

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