Is It Hard to Breathe After a Tummy Tuck?

Generally speaking, yes, patients complain of difficulty breathing and early satiety after meals. This is typically due to the tightening achieved via the muscle repair with secondary decreased respiratory compliance. Kind of similar to wearing a very tight girdle. This will generally ease after 2-3 months unless you gain weight in which case, it could persist.
However, this could be a sign of a much more serious and potentially life threatening condition called pulmonary embolism secondary to deep venous thrombosis. Other causes include fluid retention in the lungs or even fat embolism. Notify your surgeon immediately and describe your symptoms in greater detail.

Hello Believer, thank you for your question regarding breathing difficulties after a tummy tuck.

It is not uncommon for patients to experience some difficulty in breathing immediately after a tummy tuck. This can be attributed to several factors related to the surgery and the body's response to it. During a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are often tightened to create a flatter and more toned appearance. This tightening can put pressure on the diaphragm, which can make it feel more challenging to take deep breaths initially. Additionally, postoperative swelling in the abdominal area can contribute to a feeling of tightness and difficulty breathing. As the swelling subsides, breathing typically becomes easier. Pain and discomfort from the surgical incisions and muscle repair can make it uncomfortable to take deep breaths. Patients might instinctively take shallower breaths to avoid pain, which can contribute to the sensation of breathing difficulty. Wearing compression garments, which are often recommended after a tummy tuck to support the healing process, can also create a feeling of tightness around the chest and abdomen, affecting breathing.

However, these symptoms are usually temporary and should improve as you heal. Here are some tips to manage breathing difficulties after a tummy tuck: Rest and avoid strenuous activities that can exacerbate discomfort and swelling. Follow your surgeon's recommendations for pain management to keep discomfort at a minimum, which can help you breathe more comfortably. Drink plenty of fluids to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Gentle deep-breathing exercises can help improve lung function and reduce the feeling of tightness. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth.

If you experience significant or persistent difficulty breathing, it's important to contact your surgeon immediately. Severe breathing difficulties could indicate a more serious complication that requires prompt medical attention.

Good luck with your recovery, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding breathing difficulties after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

For several days after a tummy tuck, things will be very tight and it may be difficult to take a really deep breath.  However, if you're finding it difficult to take shallow breaths or you experience extreme pain with each breath, call your plastic surgeon immediately.