Some surgery side effects

Recovery Side Effects/Or Symptoms

Even if you follow the above, you will most likely experience some of the symptoms from the following list after surgery, or you may not. Below is a list of things that you may or may not encounter during recovery. The list is long, but don't let it discourage you. Many of the items on the list, such as tiredness, constipation, fluid retention, can occur after ANY surgery. This list will most likely sound much worse than it is.

Post-op depression or post-op “blues”- With any surgery, post-op depression is a possibility, and is not uncommon. Depression can be attributed to pain, anaesthesia, narcotics/pain medications, and various other things. Lack of sleep can also exaggerate these feelings.

Many women who experience post-op blues/depression have said that they did question themselves about whether or not they made the right decision to have surgery. Some of this may be attributed to not getting instant gratification. You wait to have the surgery, go through all of the excitement and anxiety that the anticipation leading up to operation brings, then you come out sore, bruised, and not looking anything like you thought you would.

Nausea and Vomiting and/or Constipation - It's not uncommon to feel nauseous soon after waking up from surgery. The anaesthesia meds can wreak havoc on your stomach. Usually, the anesthesiologist or nurse anaesthetist will give you anti-nausea drugs via IV drip during operation. This helps to limit, if not wholly alleviate nausea and vomiting after surgery. If you wake up nauseous, tell your surgeon or nurse so that they can give you something to help relieve it.

Pain medications taken after surgery can also upset your stomach. Our plastic surgeons will prescribe anti-nausea medications for you to consider if you experience nausea or vomiting. Most of the time, an upset stomach can be avoided if you eat something before taking your medications. Sometimes, eating a cracker or two with your pain meds is not enough. Some people require more "stick to your ribs" food such as a couple of pieces of dry toast, or 1/2 to a whole peanut butter sandwich.

Diarrhoea may also occur once you start your antibiotics, and is not uncommon. If this does, you can ask your assigned Personal Assistant to switch your antibiotics brand.

Loss of Appetite - Since pain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, it's not a surprise that some women have a decreased appetite after surgery. Once you are off of the pain medications, your appetite should return to normal.

Yeast/Thrush Infections – Our plastic surgeons prescribe antibiotics, to be taken after surgery. As most women know, antibiotics put you at a higher risk for yeast infection. You most likely won't get an infection but remember that anytime you take antibiotics, for whatever reason, you're at a higher risk.

Bruising and Swelling - Bruising and swelling are common after most major surgeries, and you will most likely experience both of them. As a suggestion, to assist with bruising, apply a topical ointment such as Arnica. Arnica is a herb that can aid in pain control and bruising, and be purchased at most pharmacies.

Bloating / Fluid Retention – Some clients may experience bloating, especially in the tummy. This side effect is normal and will dissipate on its own, and usually, does not require diuretics. Do not take diuretics without your surgeon's approval.

Sharp / Sharping Pains - These are sometimes referred to by patients as "zingers" or “electrical shocks”, and are very common. These pains usually indicate nerve regeneration. So, while they may not be something you enjoy experiencing, keep in mind that nerve regeneration is a good thing. Also remember that as you are further through the post up process the less intense the feeling becomes. The pains are very short-lived. However, if you are worried about a particular type of pain you're having, consult with your surgeon or personal assistant. That's what they're there for. At the very least, they can offer you peace of mind. At the most, they can take care of any problem that may arise.

Lack of Energy - Surgery, although a "planned" trauma, is still a shock to the body. The body requires energy in order to heal. Because of this, you will not have the endurance that you normally have, at least not for a couple of weeks. You'll notice that you tire much quicker. Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. We don't recommend complete bed rest, as you need to get up and move around to keep from being sore and stagnant. Also keep in mind that, not moving around can cause blood clots, which can travel from the legs to the lungs or brain, and can potentially be fatal. It can also cause you to get very sore and stiff.

Incisions/Stitches - all incisions and dressings should be kept dry until the surgeon indicates that showering or bathing is okay. You may experience a stitch left in after your post consult; this is common, and because you heal at different rates, the stitch could have been lower in the skin. If it is clear, trim it. Dark stitches you need to pull out. Make sure you ask your surgeon at your post consult as well. With all surgeries, there can be some weeping and oozing for several weeks. Keep anti-bacterial wash and ointment on during the first two months especially with breast lifts and tummy tucks and possibly neck lift stitching.

Even if you follow the above, you will most likely experience some of the symptoms from the following list after surgery, or you may not. Below is a list of things that you may or may not encounter during recovery. The list is long, but don't let it discourage you. Many of the items on the list, such as tiredness, constipation, fluid retention, can occur after ANY surgery. This list will most likely sound much worse than it is.

Sloshing Noises After Implants - “Sloshing” or “Water-Like” noises coming from the breasts after breast implant surgery is quite common because air gets into the pocket during surgery. Additionally, during surgery the pocket is irrigated with saline and it is the combination of this residual fluid that is remaining and the air that gives the “sloshing” noise postoperatively. There is no harm in this and nothing to worry about. Both the air and the fluid will be reabsorbed by your body over the first few weeks after surgery.