Laxatives Post-Tummy Tuck: Safe?

Constipation is a common issue after a tummy tuck, often caused by a lack of physical activity and the use of narcotics for pain relief. Laxatives can be used to treat constipation, but it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Some recommended treatments for constipation after a tummy tuck include Senna, Miralax, magnesium citrate, stool softeners, and fibre-rich foods.

Laxatives and enemas

Constipation is a common problem after a tummy tuck due to reduced physical activity and the use of narcotics for pain management. It is crucial to address constipation promptly to prevent excessive abdominal muscle contractions that can put pressure on the surgical incisions.

For those who prefer a more rapid solution, magnesium citrate is a suitable option. However, it is important to assess kidney health before consuming magnesium citrate, and it may be advisable to start with a half dose.

Enemas, such as saline enemas, are another option for constipation relief. They work by introducing liquids into the rectum, stimulating the bowels to evacuate. While enemas can be effective, they are generally recommended as a last resort if other treatments, such as Miralax or stool softeners, have proven unsuccessful.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or surgeon before taking any laxatives or using enemas to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the treatment for your specific situation.

Constipation prevention

Constipation is a common problem after a tummy tuck due to the patient's lack of physical activity and the use of narcotics as pain medication. It is crucial to treat constipation promptly to avoid discomfort and potential complications such as tearing of sutures or bleeding. Here are some ways to prevent constipation:

Increase Fibre Intake:

• Consume plenty of fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fibre helps improve gut function and softens stools.
• If you have bowel sensitivity, avoid high-fructose fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon, as they can cause gas.

Stay Hydrated:

• Aim for eight glasses of water daily. Proper hydration helps keep stools soft and easy to pass.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Exercise:

• Regular exercise aids in keeping the stool moving through the colon.
• Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, with a goal of 30 minutes per day at least five times a week. Walking, swimming, or biking are great options.

Listen to Your Body:

• When you feel the urge to go, don't wait. The longer you delay, the harder your stool can become.
• Try to establish a routine by training your muscles to have a bowel movement at the same time each day.

Stool Softeners and Laxatives:

• Consult your doctor about using stool softeners or laxatives. They can help prevent and relieve constipation.
• Stool softeners like Miralax, Colace, or DSS are often recommended.
• Senna is a laxative that can be taken at night to help relieve constipation.
• Magnesium citrate is another option, but it is stronger and may be recommended if other methods are ineffective.

Remember, it is important to discuss any constipation concerns with your doctor, especially if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your medical history and condition.

Narcotic medication

Constipation is a common problem after a tummy tuck due to the use of narcotic pain medication and a lack of physical activity. Narcotic medication tends to cause constipation, and it is crucial to take something to prevent or treat constipation. The longer you wait, the worse it will get.

To avoid constipation, it is recommended to eat food high in fiber and drink plenty of fluids. You should aim for more than 25 grams of fiber per day and at least 64 ounces of water. You can also take over-the-counter stool softeners, such as MiraLAX or Colace, once or twice daily.

If you are experiencing constipation, you may need to take laxatives or other prescription medication. Senna, a laxative, can be taken at night to help relieve constipation. Magnesium citrate is also an effective treatment for constipation, but it may be harsher on your system. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any laxatives or other medications, especially if you are already taking narcotic pain medication.

To reduce your reliance on narcotic pain medication, you can try other forms of pain relief, such as Exparel, a long-acting numbing medication injected during surgery, or muscle relaxants. Additionally, maintaining physical activity, even if it is just walking around your home, can help reduce pain and prevent harmful blood clots.

Straining and sutures

Straining after a tummy tuck can tear sutures or cause bleeding. Tummy tucks are a two-layer repair, with the top layer being the skin and the internal layer being a corset of muscles. The internal sutures are very strong, but they can be pulled out. If you have torn a stitch, you would likely experience a sharp pain, bruising, and a bulge in the area.

To avoid straining, it is recommended that you refrain from any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or straining for weeks after the procedure. This includes core exercises, which should be avoided for at least three months. It is also important to keep your incision sites clean and dry, as poor hygiene can increase the risk of wound breakdown, infection, and bleeding. Walking and light exercise are recommended, but any strenuous activity should be avoided for at least six weeks to protect the stitches from excessive strain.

You will also be given a compression garment to wear for the first six weeks after your surgery. This helps protect the incision sites, reduce swelling, and facilitate the contouring of the abdomen. Following these precautions will help minimise the risk of straining and tearing your sutures.

Constipation treatment

Constipation is a common problem after a tummy tuck due to reduced physical activity and the use of narcotics for pain relief. It is important to treat constipation promptly to prevent discomfort and potential complications.

There are several treatment options available to relieve constipation after a tummy tuck. Here are some recommendations:

• MiraLAX: This is a gentle osmotic laxative that softens the stool and is often recommended as a first-choice treatment. It may take a day or two to see results, but it is effective and safer to use than stimulant laxatives.
• Magnesium Citrate: This is a stronger laxative that can be used if you are very uncomfortable and need faster relief. However, it may be harsher on your system, so it is generally not the first choice.
• Senna: Senna is a natural stimulant laxative that can be taken at night to help relieve constipation. It is recommended to be used in conjunction with a stool softener.
• Stool Softeners: Stool softeners such as Colace (docusate) can be used to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. They are often recommended after surgery to prevent straining.
• Dietary Changes: Increasing your fibre intake and staying hydrated can help soften your stools and improve your bowel movements. Eat high-fibre foods such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. Prunes and bran cereal are also effective natural laxatives.
• Physical Activity: Getting regular physical activity, even if it's just moving around the house, can help stimulate your bowels and improve constipation.
• Biofeedback Therapy: If constipation is caused by unconscious clenching of pelvic floor muscles, biofeedback therapy can help retrain these muscles to relax and improve bowel movements.

It is important to consult your doctor or surgeon before taking any laxatives or making significant dietary changes, especially after surgery. They can advise you on the most suitable treatment option based on your individual circumstances.

Frequently asked questions