Swelling after Breast Augmentation in the abdomen, should I be concerned?

Question

I had a full tummy tuck in December. Most of the swelling looked like it was down with a little still in the lower abdomen. I just had breast Augementation one week ago and noticed the belly appears more swollen. Could this be from the breast surgery? Does surgery in general cause overall body swelling?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

The most common reason for for abdominal wall swelling after breast augmentation is the combination of the normal injury from the breast augmentation plus gravity. The mediators that cause swelling when we are injured do not all stay in the breast. Normal lymphatic flow rinses them away so swelling in the axilla (armpit) and on the belly is usually present as these inflammatory mediators pass through. In addition, decreased mobility, dehydration and the use of narcotic pain medications can slow down the gi tract, causing bloating. You may notice additional abdominal swelling if you have had an injury (like a tummy tuck) or work out hard. Swelling of this type should not cause any long term problems, but like with any concern you have after surgery,the safest thing to do is to contact your surgeon and let them know what is going on.

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your interesting question. I often notice in my patients,  following breast augmentation, some degree of swelling in the abdomen, related to the combination of pail relief medications and antibiotics. This is totally temporary and your abdomen will be flat again within 2 weeks!All the best.Andrea Marando

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Abdominal swelling is normal after breast augmentation. Because of gravity, a lot of the swelling from the breast moves downward. Also, pain medications can make people constipated which can cause abdominal bloating. This will resolve itself in no time. Hope this help! Dean Vistnes.

Swelling after Breast Augmentation in the abdomen, should I be concerned?

Answers (4)

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