Is significant weight gain after breast augmentation normal?

Question

I am about four days out of surgery. My implants are 400cc each. When I left my home before my surgery, I weight 155lbs, and when I returned home today I weighed myself and I had gained about 9lbs. Is this normal? I've had trouble being regular since the operation, despite taking stool softeners and laxatives. I still feel bloated, but have been consuming fluids regularly. My food intake has decreased significantly with lack of appetite. Is this normal, or should I contact a physician?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

After surgery, you are retaining fluids/water, you are probably constipated.  These are all normal after surgery and no reason to worry.  It can take good 4-6 weeks for your weight to get back to normal.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

It is very typical to weigh more in the days after surgery than prior to surgery, and not just from the weight of the implants that were placed.  You received fluids during surgery, and your bowels will not be as regular in the days immediately after surgery.  Your body will also retain fluids after surgery so it is not uncommon to weigh several pounds more for the first few weeks after surgery.  I hope this answer helps!

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

The implants alone weigh approximately 1 lb each. Plus, some fluid administration during surgery could account for another pound or two. These issues are best addressed in person with your Board Certified PS.

John Sampson, MD (license obligations) · Answer

There are many reasons for weight gain after surgery. The implants are heavy, you do get a generous amount of fluids during surgery, and it sounds like you are constipated. None of these problems are abnormal or a significant cUse if concern but you should mention the constipation to your surgeon. that problem is usually easily fixed. Obviously the implants will not change and the fluid excess should resolve with time.any other concerns or persistent issues, I encourage you to speak to your surgeon.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Your implants only weigh around 2 pounds combined.  The remaining weight is most probably water and stool.  I have found that taking stool softeners, once constipated, do not allow for proper clearance.  You may want to use something stronger like Citrate of Magnesia (over the counter).  The water weight generally resolves over a two week period and may be aided by lowering your normal salt intake.  Good luck in your recovery.Dr Taranow, NYC Plastic Surgery

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your
interesting question.  Weight gain after
breast augmentation will occur due to a combination of the implant itself and
any fluid retention and reduction of exercise levels associated with having an
operation. To work out the typical increase
in weight following breast augmentation you should add the volume of the weight
of your implants together. If the implants are measured in cc's the weight is very similar to the amount of cc’s. In addition you should expect
some fluid retention following your operation and also a moderate amount of
weight gain which would be caused by your reduction in exercise levels.The good news is that the
swelling should reduce with time which can take up to 3 months to go down and
the weight gain should reverse when you get back to your exercise regime.I hope this has been helpful.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Part of the initial healing process is fluid retention and this is quite common. It can take several weeks ot months for you weight to return close to normal.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Not wishing to give false reassurance, I will pass this question to your surgeon. The implants account for just under 2 pounds. Some weight may be due to swelling, some due to constipation. 9 pounds in a couple days for a breast augmentation is more than would be expected. Do call your surgeon. All the best.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Unvillain,

Weight gain following any kind of
cosmetic plastic surgery is quite common. 
First there is the gain from the breast implants themselves.  400cc implants on each side will add two or
three pounds to your weight.  In
addition, the stress of anaesthesia and any surgery results in water retention
and this can add several pounds. 
Accumulation of nine pounds, 
although seemingly excessive, likely represents 75% to 80% water
retention due to the stress of the surgery. 
Over 7 to 21 days, with ongoing recovery, ambulation,
walking and drinking plenty of water, generally your weight should return to
your preoperative status with the addition of the implants.

If you continue to have weight gain
and are concerned, there may be some other causes to the weight gain, such as
reduced renal function, reduced cardiac capacity or liver insufficiency.  Seeing your operative physician would be
paramount to ensure that there is no complication.

I trust this information is of some
assistance.  Best of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

William Lambeth, MD (retired) · Answer

The implants would add less than 2 lbs. It is usual to retain fluid after any surgery as the body's defense against injury(surgery). Over a week or so your weight should come back to normal. Avoid  high salt intake.

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