Could coughing 5 days post tummy tuck and muscle repair ruin my results?

Question

I coughed three different times because I had food stuck in my throat. The pain burned and hurt very badly. I'm afraid I undid the stitches internally. My doctor won't be in until Monday. I had my Muscle repair and tummy tuck on June 1, 2015. How much should I be worried right now? I am about to have a panick attack in fear that I undid all of the surgery and stitching.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that you damaged your TT results
by coughing. However, it is still a good idea to follow up with your plastic
surgeon on this matter. He/she can evaluate you and determine if any harm was
done, and if so, what the best course of action is. Best regards.

Luis Tactuk Simó, MD · Answer

Hello, it would take a really big effort to do some harm to the wall plication, nevertheless you should have a physical evaluation by your surgeon who will be able to tell if damage was done.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking the plication of the abdominal wall is very secure and it would take significant force / trauma to disrupt this repair. Generally speaking, a sneeze, cough and/or straining will not generate enough force to harm the repair. In other words, most likely no harm was done;  of course, your plastic surgeon will be in the best position to provide you with meaningful reassurance.Best wishes.

Aras Tijunelis, MD · Answer

Depending on how forceful the coughing was, it is possible to pop a suture. If you should have to cough it important to brace your stomach with a pillow or a blanket. If you did however pop a stitch there's nothing to worry about just follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi N_digVigorous coughing can indeed disrupt sutures by breaking them, causing the knots to unravel, or causing the suture to cut through the tissue.  That is why we instruct patients not to do any heavy lifting etc., for 6 weeks after surgery.Don't panic.  Nothing can be done at this time, and there is no emergency.  Get in to see you doctor at your earliest convenience and let him evaluate your concerns.  If anything is wrong, you can both sit down and review options.Worrying will cause you needless stress at this time, and changes nothing.Best luck to you.Se

Could coughing 5 days post tummy tuck and muscle repair ruin my results?

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Answer: Can coughing post cause damage?

Answer: Can coughing post cause damage?

Answer: Coughing and disruption of fresh tummy tuck sutures

Answer: Coughing and disruption of fresh tummy tuck sutures

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Could coughing 5 days post tummy tuck and muscle repair ruin my results?

Answers (5)

Answer: Can coughing post cause damage?

Answer: Can coughing post cause damage?

Answer: Coughing and disruption of fresh tummy tuck sutures

Answer: Coughing and disruption of fresh tummy tuck sutures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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