How Often is the Diaphragm Affected During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Question

I am a singer and stage actor. I have read some reports of damage to the diaphragm. How common is it that the diaphragm is affected during a tummy tuck operation. Is there always some permanent restriction afterwards?

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
Any tummy tuck will increase intra-abdominal pressure, and so for a time you will be adjusting to your "new normal" condition.
I do not think it is likely at all that your singing range or power will be affected after an appropriate healing and adjustment period. In fact, I would expect the opposite- that after you are well-healed, you feel more efficient in generating power and reaching the higher levels of your register due to the more efficient anatomical position of your abdominal muscles. This has been the observation made by prior patients who work as actors/singers in my practice.

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

The diaphragm should not be injured or affected by tummy tuck surgery. However, tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall will temporarily change the way you use your abdomen in breathing. Patients feel tight and will tend to want to not breathe so deeply immediately after surgery. This will likely change your singing, but this should resolve as you heal and adjust to the new position of your abdominal wal.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

It should not cause an issue. If the plication or suturing together of the separated muscles is not an important variable in you procedure, it can be excluded and the possiblity of changes in the diaphragm virtually eliminated.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Dr Naidu said it best... there is no damage from a tummy tuck to your diaphragm BUT the tightening of your tummy muscles will make it harder to take a full breath if you were a tummy breather. Ideally, the tightening shouldn't loosen to where you were before your surgery so you will have to rely on your chest muscles (as atheletes do) to fill your lungs to the same capacity as before your surgery.

David Shuter, MD · Answer

I agree with the other surgeons on the theoretical raising of the diaphragm. In 20 years of performing this surgery, including in singers and performers, I believe that this only a theoretical concern and have never seen this problem or even heard of a patient having an issue with this. Good luck.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

A well-done Tummy Tuck corrects all abdominal wall laxity by tightening loose abdominal wall muscles. The result - increased pressure inside the abdomen by pushing the intestine against all the tummy wall, including of against the roof of the abdomen - the diaphragm.
In some people that full feeling lasts a few days but it is never permanent. The absolute vast majority of people who undergo a Tummy Tuck do NOT have permanent damage or disability of the diaphragm.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Splinting of the diaphragm is a side effect that we have ssen in cases of large ventral hernias when the repair is done and the hernia is reduced following years of having the bowel protruding. It is unheard of during a tummy tuck procedure.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

The diaphragm is only indirectly affected by a tummy tuck. There should Never be an injury to it! What can happen is an increase in pressure in your abdomen due to tightening of your abdominal muscles. This may make it slightly more difficult to take a deep breath. In time this will relax. It is also possible that you may not need your muscles tightened. If you do not, then the tummy tuck/skin tightening should have no effect on your diaphragm or breathing. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

There should be no damage to the diaphragm at all during a tummy tuck. The abdominal muscles are tightened, so you may notice some restriction in your abdomen while singing if you tend to use that region. Otherwise, there should not be anything to affect your singing. Best wishes, /nsn.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

That is a very rare complication. I have never seen it happen in my 30 years, but it is in the plastic surgery literature. 
From MIAMI DR. B

How Often is the Diaphragm Affected During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Answers (11)

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