Is constipation normal after breast augmentation?

Question

I had surgery on the 20th of January and I was prescribed Senna herbal laxatives to take to help me go to the toilet I still haven't been 5 days later and I have gained 10lbs in 5 days on a small diet. I am really suffering with a bloated sore tummy. Is there anything you could reccomend to help relief this constipation and is this normal?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Sadly, constipation is a pretty common side effect to surgery. If you are still on pain meds, speak with your surgeon about switching them up. Keep up with the fiber and drink lots of water. And stop getting on the scale. It's going to take a while for your swelling to subside so it's not an accurate measurement right now and will only bum you out. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Constipation is a common side effect of surgery.  I would recommend you speak with your surgeon about switching your pain medications.  Also, please make sure you are drinking a lot of water and have adequate fiber intake.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic
and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not uncommon to have constipation after having surgery. The anesthesia and pain relievers are the most likely cause. Drink plenty of water and try an over-the-counter medication to help relieve this.  Contact your surgeon for his/her recommendations if it does not get better. Best of luck!

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Post operative constipation is a common occurrence do to the combination of anesthesia medication and the pain medication prescribed for post operative pain.  In our practice we often recommend patients take milk of magnesia or any over the counter stool softener after surgery to facilitate a bowel movement.  If the patient still has not had a bowel movement three days after surgery, we recommend a suppository to facilitate the bowel movement.Best regards,Dr. Lane F. Smith, MDPlastic SurgeonLas Vegas, NV

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi EllieDodardooThank you for your question.  Unfortunately constipation is normal after surgery due to anesthesia and pain medication. Typically a stool softener is prescribed from your ps to take after surgery.  Make sure you are consuming fluids and adequate fiber intake.  If you are doing all that and still have not had a bowel movement your ps might recommend a mild laxative. Please address these issues with your ps and follow up with them.  Best of luck

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately constipation post surgery is one of the side effects and is very common. Anesthesia and narcotic pain meds slows down bowel function. I recommend increasing your fiber and fluid intake and if your herbal laxative is not working contact your board-certified plastic surgeon and ask them for what over the counter products they advise. Best
of luck. Dr. Michael Omidi.

Ed Breazeale, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Constipation is very common after any surgery. Anesthesia slows down bowel function as well as Narcotic pain medication. Starting a stool softener pre operatively helps decrease it. Increasing your fiber and fluid intake will also help. I would recommend contacting your Surgeon and asking what over the counter products they advise. Best of luck.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Constipation can occur following surgery due to anesthesia and post operative pain medication.  I recommend over the counter Miralax or milk of magnesia.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.Yes, constipation can certainly happen after any surgery, due to the combination of anesthesia and postoperative pain medications.Senna may help somewhat, but if that doesn't work, I advise patients that they can take anything from the pharmacy they want.  Pills, powders, liquids, and take it "from above or below", whatever is desirable and works.In the U.S. I typically recommend Miralax (polyethylene glycol) taken twice daily for postoperative constipation.  I'm not sure what is available in the UK.  You may want to contact your doctor and see what they recommend.  Best of luck!

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

Constipation post surgery is unfortunately one of the side effects and is very common. I always advise my patients to get off their prescription pain medication asap and switch to Advil or something relevant. You can always try some other form of over the counter laxative if the one you are taking does not seem to be doing the job.

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