Does Sneezing or Coughing Affect Tummy Tuck Sutures?

Question

How does coughing or sneezing affect one's sutures after a Tummy Tuck?

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
After a tummy tuck, you will feel a sharp and burning pain when and if you sneeze and/or cough, for a few weeks after surgery. This is normal, expected, and caused by a stretching of the sutures placed in your muscle layer that occurs with the act of coughing and sneezing. I usually advise my patients to keep a pillow handy, and when they feel a sneeze or cough coming on, place it over the abdomen and press inward with your arms, to minimize the stretching effect of the sneeze or cough. In most cases, the minor stretching caused does no harm to you or the outcome from your surgery.
Rarely, if coughing and/or sneezing is prolonged and/or particularly forceful, it is possible that you could rupture your suture line- this would require another procedure to repair the muscle layer. It's best, therefore, to minimize this risk by using the pillow technique described, not having this procedure if you've been ill, and taking medications for sneezing and coughing if you become ill after the surgery during the recovery period.
I hope that answered your question.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the effect of sneezing or coughing on your tummy tuck sutures. After a tummy tuck, it’s natural to be concerned about anything that could impact your healing process, especially involuntary actions like coughing or sneezing.

Coughing and sneezing create a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which can place stress on your abdominal sutures. This is particularly true if you've had muscle plication (tightening of the abdominal muscles) as part of your tummy tuck. While occasional sneezing or coughing is unlikely to disrupt the sutures themselves, repeated or forceful actions could lead to discomfort, swelling, or in rare cases, complications like suture strain or separation of the repaired muscles.

To minimize strain, it's important to brace your abdomen by holding a pillow against your stomach when you feel a cough or sneeze coming on. This can help distribute the pressure more evenly and reduce the impact on your sutures. If you experience severe pain or notice any unusual changes in your healing, such as swelling or bulging, you should contact your surgeon for advice.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Early out of tummy tuck surgery, the concern with your description would be, the potential for disruption of sutures that are holding the abdominal wall muscles together in the midline.  In general, it would take a significant amount of pressure to “tear" the muscle repair after tummy tuck surgery. This event would likely be associated with significant discomfort. A change in your physical examination, such as increased swelling, bleeding, a new onset "bulge" would also be likely.Generally speaking, abdominal wall muscle plication performed during tummy tuck surgery is quite secure; disruption is very unusual. You will be best off following up with your plastic surgeon who will be your best resource when it comes to accurate assessment, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance.Best wishes.

Robert Vitolo, MD, FACS · Answer

Believe it or not sneezing can develop a lot of force. Sneezing is an involuntary action. It is best to not hold it in. You can generate a lot of force by trying to stop a sneeze.

Does Sneezing or Coughing Affect Tummy Tuck Sutures?

Answers (4)

Answer: Don't hold it in

Answer: Don't hold it in

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Does Sneezing or Coughing Affect Tummy Tuck Sutures?

Answers (4)

Answer: Don't hold it in

Answer: Don't hold it in

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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.