BBL Surgery and constipation

When you undergo BBL Surgery, people often complain of experiencing constipation for several days after the procedure

Opiate painkillers such as :

• oxycodone (OxyContin)
• hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)
• codeine
• morphine

are known to be responsible for triggering a specific type of constipation known as ‘opioid-induced constipation’ (OIC)

These medications are effective because they block pain signals by attaching to receptors throughout your nervous system. These receptors are also found in your bowels.

When opioids attach to receptors in your gut, it lengthens the amount of time it takes stool to pass through your gastrointestinal system.

Up to 81% of people who take opioids for pain-reduction experience some constipation

There are some over the counter medications developed specifically for opioid induced constipation:

• Stool softener: These include docusate (Colace) and docusate calcium (Surfak). They increase the amount of water in your colon and help stools pass easier.
• Stimulants: These include biscacodyl (Ducodyl, Dulcolax) and senna-sennosides (Senokot). These induce bowel activity by increasing intestinal contractions.
• Osmotics: Osmotics help fluid move through the colon. These include oral magnesium hydroxide (Phillips Milk of Magnesia) and polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)

You can also try Mineral oil as a lubricant/laxative.

There are prescription medications to alleviate the problem, however you should speak to your doctor if you think you might need these, as they may cause side effects.

Info adapted from healthline.com