Will I be fine if I am coughing at time of breast augmentation surgery?

Question

I came down with the flu two weeks before my surgery date. I recovered from the flu just fine but I still have this deep, productive cough that I can’t kick, and my surgery is the day after tomorrow. I really don’t want to postpone the surgery. I know it will be very painful to cough during recovery. I am getting 400cc under the muscle and a crescent lift. But aside from extra pain, I should be fine right?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

I would recommend you inform your surgeon as soon as possible so that they can determine whether it’s safe for you to proceed with surgery. You may still have a lingering infection, which would necessitate postponing your surgery.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

There are two reasons to postpone or cancel an elective surgery: fever, or productive cough.  It is not just about the pain associated with coughing, it presents a bigger concern for developing an even larger infection that may compromise or infect your implants.  This is something that you need to discuss with your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If there is a concern for an infection, elective surgery is better delayed.  It is always best to ask these questions of your chosen plastic surgeon as recommendations may be different.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I have a productive cough?Thanks for sharing this important question! I think you need to let your plastic surgeon know about your productive cough. If you’re still sick, it’ll be much better if you just postpone your operation until your body is ready. Otherwise, you might have a risk of increased complications. Again, have your plastic surgeon make the judgment call on this after they do a physical examination.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend a discussion with your surgeon.  Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
ReplyForward

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lollydm,mot plastic surgeons will recommend you to postpone your surgery until you are fully healed and healthy in order to reduce possible complications. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

prior to your procedure but more concerning to me is did you not have a pre-op with your surgeon within a week of your procedure where your productive cough would have been appreciated so plans could have been made for postponing your procedure?  Augmentation is ELECTIVE surgery and it should only be done when you are in the best of health.  Coughing alone increases your risk for bleeding post-op and needed additional surgery.  A patient with a productive cough would be canceled in my practice and asked to return on a day when she was feeling great!

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe you need to be cleared by your internal medicine doctor. You probably need a chest x-ray at a minimum. Anesthesia gas can make mucous secretion thicker and coughing it up is more difficult. Chest wall surgery hurts so patients do not breath deeply and if your having problems now, it may get worse afterwards, you don’t need a pneumonia post-op. The other consideration is there is probably some bacteria etc in your lung or bronchi. I would be concerned about cross contamination of your implants, if they get infected, they are coming out. In my opinion you need medical clearance for your surgery. I would also make sure your Board Certified Plastic Surgeons knows. Don’t show up and surprise him / her. Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonMember: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although I understand your desire to proceed with surgery, I would suggest postponing surgery until you are completely healthy;  doing so will help potentially prevent pulmonary complications and/or bleeding complications that may arise ( associated with coughing episode).   Keep in mind, that you are proceeding with elective surgery;  safety and avoidance of complications should be foremost in everyone's mind. Best wishes.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Absolutely, you need to reschedule your surgery.  I do not operate on patients with a productive cough. The anesthesia department will not allow surgery, either.  Check in with your primary care physician for treatment.