Can a Person Get Fluid in the Lungs After a Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your question regarding whether a person can get fluid in the lungs after a tummy tuck. While this is not a common complication, it is possible, particularly in patients with certain risk factors. Fluid in the lungs, known as pleural effusion or pulmonary edema, can sometimes occur after surgery due to factors like anesthesia, immobility, or underlying health conditions.

After a major procedure like a tummy tuck, complications can arise if a patient is not moving around enough. Lack of mobility can increase the risk of fluid build-up in the lungs, which is why post-operative movement, such as light walking, is encouraged as soon as it’s safe. Another factor that can contribute is pre-existing heart or lung conditions. If a patient has underlying issues in these areas, their body may have a harder time managing fluid balance, potentially leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Additionally, the effects of anesthesia can temporarily impact breathing or lung function, which may also contribute to fluid build-up. However, this typically resolves without long-term issues if proper post-op care is followed.

To prevent such complications, it’s important to stay as mobile as your surgeon advises, follow all post-op instructions, and report any symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent coughing to your surgeon right away. If you have a history of heart or lung conditions, make sure to discuss this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery to minimize any risks.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Very difficult to comment on this as it difficult to determine what is exactly meant by your question. But in short, yes. Anytime you have surgery you could have fluid in the lungs and it doesnt matter what the surgery was, a lot depends on the person and what kind of medical condition their heart is in.

MS,
A person can fluid in the lungs after any surgery. This can occur for many reasons including pre-existent heart disease, over hydration with intravenous fluid, and pneumonia, just to name a few. Your surgeon and medical doctor should be able to determine the reason and direct your treatment. Good luck!

Pulmonary edema or fluid on the lungs is usually due to a problem with the bodies ability to remove fluid or pump fluid. So the common problems are heart disease and kidney disease. A healthy patient undergoing any surgery is unlikely to get fluid on the lungs. With that said there are cases of flash pulmonary edema that have occurred. However, again these are usually associated with underlying diseases.
It is normal for patients after a tummy tuck to have atelectasis or collapse of the bottom of the lungs due to inadequate, deep breathing. This is temporary and easily resolved by deep breathing and walking. This is not the same as fluid on the lungs.

The term "fluid in the lungs" can mean many things but most of them could be a results of a tummy tuck or any type of abdominal or chest surgery. It may be due to heart failure, infection, fluid overload or not taking deep breaths.
A board certified plastic surgeon should be able to guide the patient preoperatively, operatively and after the surgery to minimize the possibility of these complications.

Fluid IN the lungs = Congestive heart failure, Pneumonia or aspiration
Fluid OUTSIDE the lungs, in the chest cavity = Pleural effusion
Such complications are possible, but very rare. That is why a physical examination is indicated before surgery and your surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.