I Have a Mild Productive Cough, Tummy Tuck in 3 Days! Should I Reschedule Surgery?

Thank you for your question. If in the unfortunate circumstance that you get sick before your surgery, you may have postpone your surgery until you are better again. If you are feeling sick, I would discuss with your surgeon who may help you decide depending on your individual symptoms.

I would definitely call your board certified plastic surgeon. He or she should be notified. You may also want to speak to your anesthesiologist. If your cough is indeed productive, it may be worthwhile starting antibiotics immediately. If I were your plastic surgeon, I probably would reschedule the case. Potential complication could include developing or worsening a pneumonia. The breathing machine used during general anesthesia for your abdominoplasty may worsen your lung condition. You would have to take extended antibiotics for a pneumonia. Another significant problem you may have if the cough continues, is severe abdominal pain while coughing. Coughing could significantly disrupt the rectus abdominus or six pack muscle repair. Coughing could also interrupt the incision. Bottom line, I do not think it is worth it to rush into a tummy tuck with a productive cough. Hope this helps. Good luck with your surgery. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

That is something that you should definitely discuss with your surgeon. Having a cough could increase your risk of respiratory problems from anesthesia. Also, if you cough after a tummy tuck, it will really hurt and may even stir up bleeding, and you don't want that.