I am very active, exercising 7 days a week and a distance runner. I am 2 months PO and have found that I am not able to take deep breathes. Running up the stairs leaves me completely winded and even talking a lot has me feeling out of breath. Could it be that my lungs can't expand where they could before? Is this something that will get better with time? I had my hopes on running a marathon this year but can't even go a mile without feeling totally out of breath.
September 30, 2015
Answer: How is breathing affected after a Tummy Tuck? Thank you for the question. You are still in the early stages of the healing process. In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. The surgical areas will typically appear as swollen, "lumpy/bumpy", feel tender, tight, etc. During this time the metabolic demands on your body have significantly increased making you feel tired with a level of activity which was easily handled prior to your surgery. This should improve over ensuing months as these processes subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear and look more "natural" as the swelling dissipates and the soft tissues soften. I tell my patients that they will not see their final results for at least 6 months. In the same way your energy will slowly return during that time.At this point I would recommend to be patient and continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing. I hope this helps. Best wishes
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
September 30, 2015
Answer: How is breathing affected after a Tummy Tuck? Thank you for the question. You are still in the early stages of the healing process. In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. The surgical areas will typically appear as swollen, "lumpy/bumpy", feel tender, tight, etc. During this time the metabolic demands on your body have significantly increased making you feel tired with a level of activity which was easily handled prior to your surgery. This should improve over ensuing months as these processes subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear and look more "natural" as the swelling dissipates and the soft tissues soften. I tell my patients that they will not see their final results for at least 6 months. In the same way your energy will slowly return during that time.At this point I would recommend to be patient and continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing. I hope this helps. Best wishes
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
September 30, 2015
Answer: Is it normal to feel out of breath after my #tummytuck #plasticsurgery ? Hi MrsC, Thank you for sharing your question about breating after your tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure. I'd strongly urge you to speak directly with your board certified plastic surgeon about your questions and issues. It sounds like you're still in the early phases of healing and some of your "out of breath" feelings could be coming from lack of energy that many patients experience after a lengthly plastic surgery procedure like an abdominoplasty. We encourage our patients to maintain a very high protein diet after a tummy tuck, however please check in with your operative surgeon. He or she will appreciate the open communication.All the best to you,Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS
Helpful
September 30, 2015
Answer: Is it normal to feel out of breath after my #tummytuck #plasticsurgery ? Hi MrsC, Thank you for sharing your question about breating after your tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure. I'd strongly urge you to speak directly with your board certified plastic surgeon about your questions and issues. It sounds like you're still in the early phases of healing and some of your "out of breath" feelings could be coming from lack of energy that many patients experience after a lengthly plastic surgery procedure like an abdominoplasty. We encourage our patients to maintain a very high protein diet after a tummy tuck, however please check in with your operative surgeon. He or she will appreciate the open communication.All the best to you,Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS
Helpful
