Is shortness of breath normal after a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants? (Photos)

Question

Today is post op day five after my tummy tuck, breast lift with implants. I am absolutely thrilled with the results so far! I have been doing lovenox shots - today is my last day- because I have a family history of blood clots. My question is while I am walking I am pretty hunched over and feel a little out breath. My binder feels so tight! Should I loosen my binder and see if that helps? I am completely comfortable sitting down with no breathing issues, again it is only while I am walking

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

After A tummy tuck/ mommy makeover. It is important to make sure that your binder is not too tight but feels as snug as a gentle hug.   We always advise that throughout the day you hold a pillow to your belly for extra support and try to let out a couple large coughs. This will help aid in preventing pneumonia or any respiratory illnesses after surgery. While your body is healing your immune system is compromised because it is working overtime to help you heal. It is possible to have exposure to new germs at the hospital. If by chance a patient does have any food or liquid in their stomach after anesthesia,  it is possible that it could become backed up into the lungs. Because you will be walking in a hunched over position for the first week, its safe to say that you wont be able to get the full amount of ventilation into your lungs as well. All of these factors can put you at an increased risk of respiratory illness. If you suspect your breathing is not allergy related, I would call your surgeon right away to speak about what you are experiencing. He or she may want to prescribe you something just incase.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and
photographs. Congratulations on your recent tummy tuck and breast lift. While
your symptoms may be part of the normal healing process, shortness of breath
after surgery can also be a sign of something much more serious. I recommend
that you contact your operating plastic surgeon immediately to discuss this issue.
He/she can assess what is causing your shortness of breath, ensuring the safest
recovery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Shortness of breath after TT and BL with implants should merit a workup and a visit to your plastic surgeon or the ER. Adjusting the binder and walking hunched over for a few weeks are to be expected.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and congrats on your recent transformation! First and foremost you should let you plastic surgeon know about this issue so you can be properly evaluated for serious causes of shortness of breath especially due to your family history. It seems that you have been doing many things for prevention of blood clots but still, you never know. However, I will mention that I have patient's that complain of feeling short of breath when ambulating after big surgeries. With implants there is an extra weight on your chest that can make it a little harder to take deep breaths because of the extra weight on your chest and that can take some getting used to. After full tummy tuck abdominal muscles are tightened so this can make it a little difficult for the diaphragm (helps lungs expand) to sink into the abdomen and therefore difficult for your lungs to fully expand. As stated previously the best thing is to call your plastic surgeon ASAP and see what their thoughts are. I hope this helps and wish you the best in your recovery.Ankur Mehta MD

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, please call your surgeon to discuss.  Lovenox treatment is highly effective but not 100 percent.  Please touch base with your surgeon-it may be normal-but best to sure, good luck.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi megs,You need to see your surgeon to a proper evaluation to be sure that you do not have a blood clot in your lungs. I am glad that you are aware of the possibility, but you need some definitive tests ( CT scan of your lungs) to rule this out. As you know, this is a serious issue , so call your surgeon today!Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

I would call your surgeon immediately and have them direct you. I agree with my colleagues, you could have something as simple as a binder that is too tight or a more complex and serious problem such as a pulmonary embolism. Best wishes. Dr. Gervais.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. My advice is to please take this seriously and be evaluated as soon as possible. With your "family history of blood clots" you cannot be too careful. Even though you are taking Lovenox, shortness of breath after surgery needs to be treated as a pulmonary embolism until proven otherwise. A CT scan should resolve that question. See your surgeon or go to the ER ASAP. It is likely that this is due to another issue but until you know for sure, I would not rest. Better safe than sorry.Good luck!

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

This is really something you should be discussing with your surgeon and not us.  This could be as simple as loosening your binder or as complex as a pulmonary embolism.  I strongly encourage you to contact your Plastic Surgeon and let him/her know of your concerns. I hope that helps and wish you the very best!-Gregory A Buford MD FACS

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Megs188.  I recommend that you loOwen your binder and call your plastic surgeon  ASAP, as a precaution. Since you have a family history of blood clots and taking Lovenox there is a concern of pulmonary embolism, although you have no shortness of breath when sitting down. Don’t take any chances and get checked out immediately. Best of luck.

Is shortness of breath normal after a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants? (Photos)

Answers (14)

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