How to Stop Bloating After Breast Augmentation?

Great question. This is something that I have seen with so many of my patients that I have made a point to discuss it with all of them in my pre-op visit. To be honest, I am not certain what causes this phenomenon that I see with breast augmentation more than any other surgery. I don't think that it is the pain medications decreasing the bowel activity and causing constipation, because it doesn't happen with face lift patients or arm lifts or other non-abdominal surgery. I see it with breast augmentation all the time though, especially thin and fit patients. Regardless of the cause, you don't need to do anything to make it go away. It seems to peak at around day 2-3 after surgery and then goes away sometime between 1-3 weeks post op. I wish you could see some time lapse photos of some of my patients that proves that it happens to a lot of people and it always goes away. No need to worry. You will look thin again soon. 

Congratulations on your surgery. Many women feel bloated after breast augmentation surgery and this goes away on its own. Some causes may be the pain medication or another unknown cause. If you're concerned, speak with your surgeon, but I expect that it'll go away over the next week.

Distention of the abdomen can be seen after many surgeries under general anesthesia. The reason for this is decreased bowel activity due to the effects of the anesthetic medicine. I advice early mobilization, walking and a diet rich in fibers. If required, medical supplements (stool softeners) can help with increasing bowel motility.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Thank you for your question. Abdominal swelling is normal after breast augmentation. Swelling follows gravity and thus your abdomen (and sometimes the thighs) will experience more swelling and add confusion to the post-op period. You may even notice that you've added many pounds on the scale that cannot be explained solely by the addition of implants. You should notice a decrease in the abdominal swelling with each week that passes by.

Thanks for your question and picture.  Congratulations on your procedure!  It's great that you haven't had too much pain.  I imagine by now, some of your bloating is already resolving.  It is most likely nothing significant and will pass with time.  If it persists beyond a week, you should call your surgeon.  Good luck with the rest of your recovery!

Pain medication containing narcotics is notorious for decreasing bowel motility which can lead to bloating.

Most patients gain weight after surgery from fluid that we give your during surgery.  Your body will slowly get rid of fluid for the next two-three weeks.  In addition, your body (including intestines) move slower due to anesthetics, stress, and medication.  If you are taking narcotic pain medication, stool softener will help.  However, with time, the bloating will go away.

By now, you're almost a week out from surgery.  Hopefully you have seen your surgeon or will see him/her shortly for recommendations.  Bloating can happen from fluid retention, constipation/ileus, and narcotics... make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your bowels working normally.

Bloating after any surgery, breast augmentation or something else, is most likely due to the pain medication which slows down your GI tract motility.

It is possible that your bloating could be  from different sources:


Hormonally based

Possible constipation due to the pain medication


In either event it will get better over time