What Causes Bloating Of Stomach After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 22 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had breast augmentation 8 days ago with a general anesthesia and my stomach is larger than before surgery. I was very flat and now I look like I gained 20 pounds. Is this normal and will it remain larger or return to pre-op appearance?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
should resolve on its own

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Bloating can occur as a result of any general surgery procedure.
It results in the increased size of the abdomen.

It can be due to the medication given which can affect peristalsis of the bowel. Peristalsis is the movement of the bowel which affects expulsion of air and stool.
Some of the meds used an slow it down.

Normally it resolves after 4 to 5 days but in some cases, such as yours is can last longer.
It should resolve on its own but the use of medication normally used for reflux (prevacid, prilosec, nexium, protonix) may help to expel any air present.

If it is associated with pain, you should consider seeing your doctor for an assessment.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar