5 Tips For Reducing Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery (2024)

Some of my Montreal breast augmentation patients complain about stomach bloating after surgery. However, it is important to remember that it is generally not harmful. Maximum swelling usually occurs 3-5 days after your surgery and it will generally go away completely in two weeks and even as early as 5 to 7 days.

5 Tips For Reducing Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery (1)

What Causes Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

  1. Stomach bloating is generally related to several different factors. It can be due to the anesthesia drugs or pain medication, which can slow down one’s bowels. A lack of movement due to the fact that patients’ activity is generally limited for some time, can also contribute to this as well. Overall, slow digestion can cause both stomach bloating and constipation. However, over the next few days your body will filter out the effects of the anesthetic, pain medication or antibiotics. Keep in mind that if your bowels do not return to normal after 6 days, it is advised to contact your doctor.
  2. The second cause of stomach bloating is due to swelling. This is the result of the actual fluid from your lower chest, breasts and upper abdomen. The fluid naturally moves downward due to gravity.

Tips for Reducing Stomach Bloating:

Here are some ways that might help you to reduce stomach bloating and make you feel much more comfortable after your surgery:

  • Stay Hydrated. Water is crucial in order to return to your normal bowel function. Ensure that you drink at least eight glasses each day.
  • Do Light Movement. Walk around for a few minutes throughout the day to stimulate your digestion. However, it is important not to exercise until your doctor gives his or her approval.
  • Discontinue Pain Medication As Soon As Possible. Narcotics can slow down or even entirely stop your bowel movements, which contributes to bloating. Discontinue them as soon as possible.
  • Take Stool Softeners. This can help if you are suffering from constipation, which can contribute to a bloating sensation.
  • Consider Laxatives. Although this should be a last resource, laxatives can sometimes be useful if none of the above has worked. However, ensure that you take them safely and do not abuse them.

It is important to remember stomach bloating is generally not harmful and will subside in the days and weeks to come. Dr. Fouda Neel is always more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Contact our team of experts today for more information.

5 Tips For Reducing Stomach Bloating After Breast Augmentation Surgery (2024)

FAQs

How to get rid of bloating after breast augmentation surgery? ›

Some ways you can help ease bloating, swelling and stomach discomfort are:
  1. Continuing to wear your surgical garments is a must. ...
  2. Increase your fluid intake to flush any excess fluid from your body.
  3. Ensure your post-surgical diet is rich in fibre to aid bowel movements.

Can breast implants cause stomach bloating? ›

By Dr Nicholas Moncrieff

This is very common amongst patients post breast and body surgery and the good news is that it is temporary! In most cases, it peaks around 2 days after surgery and then slowly subsides, although it can take months for all swelling to settle down.

How long does it take for stomach bloating to go away after surgery? ›

Although most swelling and bloating will clear by 12 weeks, you may find that swelling ebbs and flows for up to 12 months after surgery. Some ways you can help ease swelling, bloating and stomach discomfort are: Gentle mobilisation (i.e. walking) when you have the clearance to do so.

How to get rid of a bloated tummy? ›

How to reduce bloating
  1. exercise regularly to improve your digestion and help prevent bloating – exercise can also help when you're feeling bloated.
  2. chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air.
  3. drink plenty of water.
  4. eat foods high in fibre if constipated.
  5. eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.

Why is my stomach so big after breast surgery? ›

During the post-surgery recovery period after DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery, a common question we get asked is “why do I look and feel so bloated?” The truth of the matter is swelling, mild discomfort, and distention are common. Your belly may appear swollen due to a collection of fluid under your belly skin.

What foods help with bloating after surgery? ›

In addition, when you eat slowly you take in less air which should reduce gas production. Eat small frequent meals. Try for five or six small meals per day such as yogurt and fruit or milk and peanut butter on toast.

How long does it take for bloating to go away? ›

How long does a bloated stomach last? If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank or to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. If you are constipated, it won't go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things along.

Why did I gain so much weight after breast augmentation? ›

Common Factors Impacting Weight Gain after Breast Augmentation. There are several reasons why you may gain weight after breast augmentation: Fluid retention – It is common to retain fluids after surgery due to the stress associated with your procedure and the consumption of prescription medications during recovery.

How to get gas out after surgery? ›

If you are very uncomfortable, try to hold your tummy and massage it slightly. This may help the trapped gas release. It is normal to gently push to start a bowel movement. Do not be afraid to do this after surgery.

Why is my stomach still big after surgery? ›

Most surgical procedures require some form of anaesthetic, which can have the side effect of slowing down your digestive functions. As your body gradually gets back to normal post the anaesthetic's effects, there can be a build-up of gas in your system, contributing to the sensation of bloating.

How long does it take for surgery gas to leave your body? ›

This gas appears to be absorbed in an exponential manner. In the first 24 h after surgery, diaphragmatic irritation is an important component of postoperative pain, but by 48 h its effect is significantly diminished, with no gas detectable in 40% of patients.

How to get rid of fluid retention after surgery? ›

How Do You Manage Edema After Surgery?
  1. Elevation. The fluids in your body are affected by gravity. ...
  2. Compression. If you're at risk for edema after surgery, you might want to talk to your doctor or surgeon about wearing compression garments. ...
  3. Light movement. ...
  4. Massage. ...
  5. Physical therapy.

What immediately gets rid of bloating? ›

Fast bloating relief
  1. Tea. Peppermint, ginger and chamomile all have anti-bloating properties. ...
  2. Over the counter medications. Certain over the counter medications help to temporarily relieve bloating. ...
  3. Heat. Use a warm compress, a hot water bottle or a heating pad. ...
  4. Get moving.
Jan 16, 2024

Does lemon water help with bloating? ›

The Benefits

“It helps kick-start the digestion process in the morning,” says Parada, adding that it also helps fight indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. Additionally, lemon is known to stimulate the production of bile and gastric juices and can therefore prevent gas formation.

What foods make bloating go away? ›

Foods to Help You Ease Bloating
  • Avocados. 1/10. These pear-shaped fruits (yep, they're fruits!) are packed with potassium. ...
  • Bananas. 2/10. Bananas deliver a potassium punch. ...
  • Celery. 3/10. ...
  • Turmeric. 4/10. ...
  • Peppermint. 5/10. ...
  • Ginger. 6/10. ...
  • Asparagus. 7/10. ...
  • Fennel. 8/10.
Jan 17, 2024

How long does fluid retention last after breast augmentation? ›

While most of this fluid retention will resolve on its own within a few months as your body heals, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. Dr. Lee can prescribe a mild diuretic if necessary. In addition, drinking lots of water will help your body release the fluids being retained in your tissues.

How to reduce fluid retention after breast surgery? ›

How to reduce swelling after breast reduction
  1. Stay well hydrated after surgery. Drink 2 liters of water or more daily to help flush out your system.
  2. Stick to a healthy and varied diet. ...
  3. Supplement with vitamins, minerals, and iron. ...
  4. Aim for Antioxidants. ...
  5. Stay safely active. ...
  6. Don't reach or lift above your head.

How to lose weight while recovering from breast augmentation? ›

Exercising after Breast Augmentation

Once your body has healed, exercise will be one of your most effective tools to shed any additional pounds that aren't associated with swelling and fluid retention. Keep in mind that you'll need to gradually ramp up your exercise efforts.

Why am I gaining weight after breast augmentation? ›

After breast implant surgery, weight gain is a possible side effect. Fluid retention, swelling, and sedentary behavior are some of the reasons for the extra pounds. In most cases, the weight resolves when the patient is fully recovered. However, a slightly altered diet, stress reduction, and gentle movement can help.

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