Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Question

I am now 5 days post op of the breast augmentation but I've been having a persistent problem with getting food down. When I drink or eat anything, it seems to be getting stuck when it goes down my esophagus and it goes down very slow. This has caused me indigestion and heart burn and it is really painful to eat or drink anything. Is this normal, and is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

General anesthesia requires a placement of a breathing apparatus that can irritate the upper throat area. Swelling can cause some difficulty with swallowing. It can also cause obstruction to the eustachian tube creating temporary ear issues. This is uncommon.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Use of a breathing tube can create the symptoms you describe.  For our breast augmentations (we do 400 a year), we do not use a breathing tube, so it is kind to your throat.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your questions concerning problems
swallowing. Without seeing you in person it is always impossible to be 100%
certain. I would follow up with your plastic surgeon and anesthesia provider to
ask if a tube was inserted down your throat during surgery.  If so,
irritation from the tube is most likely the cause of your swallowing
problems.  Your surgeon will be able to prescribe you something and/or
give you suggestions on how to get over this difficulty.

Best to you.  -Dr. Coan

Eduardo Mejia, MD · Answer

hellothanks for the question. i agree with Dr. Lee.also your taking some pain relief and antibiotics , protect your stomach with omeprazol. good luck!

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Your throat may have been irritated by the tube that was placed in your airway during anesthesia.  Please notify your PS to see what can be prescribed to help you get some relief.

Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Answers (5)

Answer: Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Answer: Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Answer: Problems swallowing

Answer: Problems swallowing

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Answers (5)

Answer: Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Answer: Why is it difficult to swallow anything after breast augmentation? Is there anything I can do to relieve this ?

Answer: Problems swallowing

Answer: Problems swallowing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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