Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/1/2009

Question
I had a breast lift and slight reduction just yesterday, and I remember
immediately after exiting the surgery room, my skin was slightly itchy. On
and off since then I have had to scratch myself all over my body...eyes, head,
legs, underarms, under my breasts, buttocks...everywhere!

My skin isn't that red or irritated and it's not a painful itchiness that gets
worse. It's very subtle but it's almost all the time. Of course this is only my
first day after the surgery, but I've been recovering quite well and the only
thing I'm having trouble with is some dizziness/drowsiness from my pain
medication.

Could that also be the source of the problem, or will this subside?

Answer
Anything could be the source but it doesn't really sound like an allergy to me. Hopefully by the time you are reading this, it has already subsided or gotten better. If it ihasn't or is getting worse, you should see your internist for a workup (or a change in meds). It's not related to anesthesia in any way.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston