Can breathing improve after you've healed from an abdominoplasty?

Question

I struggle breathing correctly as in I don't do diaphragmatic breathing because I keep holding my stomach. I currently have a diastasis recti and my abdominal region feels really uncomfortable like my stomach is pushing out constantly. So my natural instinct is to hold my stomach in and this in turn ( I think!) is why I am not breathing optimally in the correct way. Will having an abdominoplasty eliminate that constant feeling of wanting to hold my abdomen in and will breath better? Thx

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how an abdominoplasty might impact your breathing and abdominal comfort. Based on your description, it sounds like your diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) could be contributing to both your discomfort and suboptimal breathing patterns.

When the rectus abdominis muscles are separated, it can reduce the structural support of the abdominal wall. This may create a sensation of your stomach "pushing out," leading you to instinctively hold it in, which can interfere with natural diaphragmatic breathing. An abdominoplasty with muscle repair could address this by bringing the separated muscles back together, providing better core support.

Once you’ve healed from the surgery, you may experience:

Improved Abdominal Support: Repairing the diastasis recti will strengthen the abdominal wall, which may alleviate the constant urge to hold your stomach in and allow you to relax those muscles more naturally.

Enhanced Diaphragmatic Breathing: With the abdominal muscles properly repaired, your diaphragm may be able to move more freely during deep breaths, potentially improving your overall breathing pattern.

Reduced Discomfort: The "pushing out" sensation caused by muscle separation should diminish, creating a more balanced and stable abdominal core.

However, it’s important to note that improvements in breathing will depend on several factors, including the severity of your diastasis recti, your overall health, and your commitment to postoperative recovery and exercises. Many patients find that working with a physical therapist post-surgery to retrain their core muscles and breathing can significantly enhance their results.

An abdominoplasty could be a very effective solution for your concerns. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine the best course of action.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A change to your breathing habits is not an expected outcome after a tummy tuck.  This procedure is designed to remove excess fat and skin as well as repair abdominal wall laxity.  Patients sometimes report that they feel more support in their core after the diastasis has been corrected.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I would not plan on having a TT improve your breathing.  It’s a major procedure that changes your torso in many ways.  Some may be for the better abd some may be annoying or undesirable.  Typically with enough time people get used to their new body and being the new normal.

It’s important to differentiate if you have excess visceral fat bc that can contribute to what you describe.

Some indications of having excess visceral fat Inc having a bulging abdomen pre pregnancy.  Another is if it takes a significant amount of pressure to push your abdomen flat or that it does not become  flat when laying in your back.

In the end the most important variable if you are thinking of having this procedure is choosing the most talented and experienced provider.

Do that by having multiple in person consultations.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom, MD

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