Is Tummy Tuck Okay for Singers?

asked 2 years ago by divamommie in Sonora, CA
Latest answer by Christopher L. Hess, MD
Question viewed 567 times
Tags: abdomen, muscle

My pregnancies have left me with uncomfortable sagging skin and stretched muscles. I am concerned about what, if any, effect a tummy tuck (specifically the tightening of the muscle wall) will have on my singing, ability to take deep breaths, etc. What would you recommend?

6 answers to Is Tummy Tuck Okay for Singers?

Tummy tuck most likely will not affect singing

Dear D, Most likely your singing will be the same before as after. Tightening the abdominal muscles has no effect on your voice. Make sure the anesthesiologist is careful with your airway as that can effect your voice. May need an LMA rather than an endotracheal tube. Discuss with your surgeon. Good luck.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck for Singers

Repair of the rectus muscles depends on the amount of abdominal wall laxity. And with greater laxity comes a larger repair and thus a decrease in intraabdominal volume. Many patients often complain about shortness of breath immediately after surgery. However, this sensation abates after several days. I realize that singers often breath from the abdomen but there won't be any decrease in lung volume. So I'd say you'll be find but the recovery will take some time.

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Effect of a tummy tuck with muscle repair or tightening on singing

That is an excellent question and one I have never heard before. My answer is based on my experience as I cannot recall any study on this. After a tummy tuck with muscle repair, it is common for my patients to report a early satiety after a full meal. This is similar to the sensation you may have if wearing a tight girdle or blue jeans and then consuming a large amount of food. My guess is that an individual requiring significant diaphragmatic excursion (opera singer) could be aware of this... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck is okay for singers

Hi Divamommie, Few of us have extensive experience operating on singers. Living in Memphis, the home of The Blues, I recall doing an abdominoplasty (with FULL muscle tightening) on a professional singer. It has NOT limited her in any way. As a matter of fact, her new figure has been a source of pride and a confidence boost to her and she has been one of my biggest "cheerleaders". While I cannot uniformly state that this will be the case with ALL singers, I would feel recommending... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Singers and tummy tucks

This is one of the more unique questions I have heard. I do not know of any studies to this effect, but I do not believe the surgery should have any effect on your singing. Although a very tight muscle repair can affect breathing immediately post-op and can be a risk factor for post-op complications because of this, long-term effects of this is dissipated and the muscle relaxes and loosens over time. You might discuss this specific concern with your surgeon since cosmetic procedures should... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates