Heartburn After Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation

asked 2 years ago by ymmomof1 in Florida
Latest answer by John K. Long, MD
Question viewed 985 times

I had a revision of my full tummy tuck which was pretty extensive and a BA revision and liposuction to my hip/flanks and upper back 27 days ago and I was prescribed Zantac 150mg twice daily, once that prescription ran out I purchased Zantac 75mg and have been taking it twice a day but I still wake up with the worst heart burn every day. I also still get it, including a very upset stomach, after each meal. I know I drink coffee in the morning, which is very acidic but no matter what I eat I get it?

5 answers to Heartburn After Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation

Stomach pain and indigestion after a Tummy Tuck

The increased intra-abdominal pressure after a tummy tuck is to be expected for a number of reasons related to the changes to the anterior abdominal wall muscles as well as the skin. This could and would exacerbate a pre-existing GER or reflux problem but it is doubtful these changes would initiate a problem that was not previously present unless the problem was borderline and not appreciated before surgery. Anti-acid medications, both over the counter and prescription, would be effective... more

John K. Long, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Heartburn after tummy tuck

As the other surgeons have mentioned, I would discuss this with your surgeon. If you had a history of heartburn they you are at greater risk when a tummy tuck is performed as it causes increased pressure around your stomach and therefore increases your reflux and hearthburn.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck

In doing abdominoplasty the muscles are tightened, this will increase the intra-abdominal pressure. If you have Gerd or hiatal hernia your symptoms will be aggrivated . See a Gastroentrologist for treatment . Elevate the head of the bead 4-6 inches. Eat small meals, take your medication (Nexxium), as prescribed by the GI doctor

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Heartburn (Reflux) after Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A Tummy Tuck involves the "taking in" and tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall which were irreversibly stretched out by pregnancy and, or obesity. People who have gastroesophageal reflux (GER) otherwise known as heartburn have a defect in which the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve at the end of the food tube entering the stomach, does not properly close and allows acidic stomach fluid to travel back high up into the esophagus as high as the back of the throat... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Possible reflux disease following tummy tuck

I would discuss this with your surgeon. Some individuals who undergo muscle repair seem to have a flair of their gastro esophageal reflux disease (GED) and may require more than Zantac. Medications can also contribute to this as well as certain foods such as coffee, etc.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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