I have a bad cough at night. I'm scheduled for an explant and lift this week. Will my coughing hurt my stitches or recovery?

Thank you for your questions. With elective surgery, it is important to make sure you are in the best condition prior to proceeding with surgery. If you have a cough, you need to have it worked up and evaluated to see what is going on. I would not advise proceeding with surgery if you are sick. Discuss your condition with your surgeon.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

You need to be evaluated for the reason for your nightly coughing.  If it is the result of a bacterial infection, you would be wise to postpone surgery.  Inform your PS and anesthesiologist about your cough so that they can determine the best path ahead for breast explantation and breast lift healing and recovery.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

I encourage you to visit with your surgeon and/or primary care physician for an examination.  You will want to rule out an active infection.  If one is present you will want to postpone your surgery until it has resolved.

Dear Ediemct,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. If you have a cough, I recommend that you contact your surgeon immediately. If you are ill, then you may need to have your surgery delayed. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

hello! Your night cough is unlikely to have much impact on your explantation incision as there should be minimal tension on the incision closure. However, it would be advisable to seek medical attention regarding the origen of your cough especially if it is of long duration. If it is of recent onset you should mention it to your surgeon and/or the anesthetist if sedation or general anesthesia is to be employed. Hope this is of use