Can sneezing and movement ruin your tummy tuck results?

Question

Hi, I've just had a tummy tucky a week ago,yesterday I made two very strong movements with my core by accident; and I sneezed sometimes, I felt the skin stretching and a bit uncomfortable.My questions are: Can the muscle untie bcse of a strong movement with the core after tummy tuck? What will be the consequences of this strong movement + sneezing? I'll appreciate a lot a answer since I'm so scared and quite freaking out on the fact that I may have ruined my future results :/.Tnks a lot!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Great question. Although many patients feel nervous about sneezing, coughing, and laughing after tummy tuck surgery, these activities are unlikely to cause significant damage to your results. It’s normal to feel some discomfort when it happens, though, as your affected skin and muscles are still tender after surgery. The sutures in your abdomen are reinforced and designed to stand up to everyday muscle movement. Although you should avoid strenuous activities and make sure you keep the area supported as much as possible, try not to worry too much about damaging your results.
                  I encourage patients to have a pillow close by for the first few weeks after a tummy tuck to place on the abdomen and squeeze when they cough or sneeze to relieve some of the discomfort.  Normal amounts of coughing and sneezing are not going to disrupt the surgical results.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

The sutures are strong enough to withstand physical stress. It would take a greater amount of force to rupture your sutures and there is no way sneezing can damage your muscles. Although pain and un-comfortability may be felt, for as long as there is no repeated physical stress on your abdominal area during the course of healing (except sneezing or coughing) then there's nothing much to worry about. Always consult directly with your surgeon and follow up with him regularly to make sure you are healing well.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

Hi,  Your worry is very common.  It is important to understand that the muscles are tightened with one or two (my preference) layers of sutures and thus it would be almost impossible (never say never) to have the sutures come out or "pop".  Many times when patients sneeze or fall, they think that they hurt the surgery when in fact, they might hurt themselves (since you are so close to your surgery)  but not the longer lasting result.  If you have any questions, just call or see your plastic surgeon to reassure that you did not hurt anything.  Remember, these "oh no!!!" questions are very common in our body contouring patients so do not feel embarrassed about any question to your doctor.

Can sneezing and movement ruin your tummy tuck results?

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Can sneezing and movement ruin your tummy tuck results?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.