Sneezing or Coughing After Tummy Tuck

The pain after a tummy tuck can vary due to many factors depending on the extent of the procedure. In many instances it can take up to 3-6 months before the vast majority of the tenderness or pain resolves. At six weeks the proliferative phase of wound healing is complete and you are now entering the maturation phase which is associated with relaxation of the scar tissue and generally diminished discomfort.

Hello Angeella in Jackson, MS. Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about experiencing pain when sneezing or coughing six weeks after your tummy tuck.

It’s quite normal to feel discomfort or pain in your abdominal area when sneezing or coughing after a tummy tuck, especially within the first few weeks or even months post-surgery. This reaction is due to the tightening of the abdominal muscles that occurs during the procedure, as well as the healing incisions.

Duration of Discomfort:

Typically, most patients find that this type of discomfort diminishes significantly as they approach the 8-12 week mark post-surgery. However, everyone heals at a different pace, and the timeline can vary based on individual factors such as the extent of the surgery, your age, general health, and how your body heals.
Why It Hurts:

When you sneeze or cough, there is a sudden and forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles, which can cause pain if these muscles are still healing or are tender from the surgery.
Tips to Manage Discomfort:

Hold a Pillow: Applying gentle pressure can help. Try holding a pillow against your abdomen when you feel a sneeze or cough coming on. This support can reduce the movement of your abdominal muscles, easing the pain.
Avoid Sudden Movements: Try to move slowly and support your abdomen with your hands when changing positions or getting up.
Manage Allergies: Since your sneezing is due to allergies, it might be beneficial to consult with your doctor about taking an antihistamine or other allergy medication to control your symptoms and reduce the frequency of sneezing.
When to Consult Your Surgeon:

If the pain during sneezing or coughing worsens, or if you notice other symptoms such as fever, unusual swelling, or redness around the incision site, it's important to contact your surgeon. These could be signs of a complication that needs medical attention.
Follow-Up:

Ensure that you continue with your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. During these visits, discuss any ongoing pain or concerns you have about activities that involve your core muscles.
Recovery from a tummy tuck is a gradual process, and it's essential to give your body time to heal properly. Most patients find that as the weeks go by, activities that initially caused discomfort, like sneezing or coughing, become much more manageable.

I hope you find relief soon and continue to recover smoothly. If you have any more concerns or if the pain becomes severe, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

With any chest or abdominal surgery, any straining will cause significant pain. Anything that causes you to strain your abdomen such as coughing and sneezing will be uncomfortable, potenitally for several months.  You want to avoid these as much as possible.  The best way to handle this is by firmly holding the belly with your hands or pillow and push down when you cough or sneeze.