I Have a Mild Productive Cough, Tummy Tuck in 3 Days! Should I Reschedule Surgery?

   If a cough is still present, this will increase the pain you will experience after tummy tuck.  You should discuss this with your surgeon and come to a decision on this.

I would definitely call your board certified plastic surgeon. He or she should be notified. You may also want to speak to your anesthesiologist. If your cough is indeed productive, it may be worthwhile starting antibiotics immediately. If I were your plastic surgeon, I probably would reschedule the case. Potential complication could include developing or worsening a pneumonia. The breathing machine used during general anesthesia for your abdominoplasty may worsen your lung condition. You would have to take extended antibiotics for a pneumonia. Another significant problem you may have if the cough continues, is severe abdominal pain while coughing. Coughing could significantly disrupt the rectus abdominus or six pack muscle repair. Coughing could also interrupt the incision. Bottom line, I do not think it is worth it to rush into a tummy tuck with a productive cough. Hope this helps. Good luck with your surgery. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

You should talk to your surgeon and then decide according to your symptoms. Good luck on the surgery and your recovery!

Thank you for your question. If in the unfortunate circumstance that you get sick before your surgery, you may have postpone your surgery until you are better again. If you are feeling sick, I would discuss with your surgeon who may help you decide depending on your individual symptoms.

That is something that you should definitely discuss with your surgeon. Having a cough could increase your risk of respiratory problems from anesthesia. Also, if you cough after a tummy tuck, it will really hurt and may even stir up bleeding, and you don't want that.

Most tummy tuck procedures involve tightening the lining of your abdominal muscles.  This is known as abdominal fascial tightening.  A cough presents several problems.  First, general anesthesia may be contraindicated for an elective procedure if you have a productive cough or respiratory infection.  Second, a cough may interfere with your healing of the fascial tightening and can lead to complications.  It would be a good idea to meet with your doctor personally to be evaluated.   Best wishes!

I would.  You should be in optimal health when you undergo a significant procedure like a tummy tuck.  After anesthesia, the small air sacs in the lungs where oxygen is absorbed, tend not to expand as well as normally. This can last a week. Normally it is not a problem, but if you cannot clear secretions well, or cough vigorously without pain, it could lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia.

There are often judgement calls about whether it is safe to proceed with anesthesia and surgery, and the fact that you are getting much better and feel fine is good, but the decision to proceed would be made by your physician and anesthesiologist.  Since it is so soon before surgery, you would have to have seen them right away.  If you don't get clearance at least several days before surgery, there is a chance that everyone will show up for surgery and your procedure will be cancelled.  Much better for you and all concerned that the decision to postpone a surgery is made as far in advance as possible, rather than the last minute.

For other patients in similar situations, call your doctor, discuss your symptoms, and be seen if the doctor recommends that. Generally, if you come down with a severe cough and sore throat a week before your surgery, you should let your doctor know immediately, so the surgery can either be postponed or you can be followed closely by your doctor to make sure you are getting better in time for a procedure.

I am sorry to hear about your concerns prior to your day of surgery. Generally speaking, patients undergoing elective surgery should be at their optimal (or close to) level of health prior to proceeding. It is especially important that there be no compromise of pulmonary function or active source of infection present.
Your plastic surgeon will be the only relevant resource when it comes to determining what medications you can take prior to surgery and your ability to proceed at this time.
Best wishes.

Ideally you would like to have your surgery when you are healthy and cough free, a cough can affect your comfort level during recovery. Whether or not you have surgery with symptoms should be dicussed with your surgeon. Good luck you!

Your health and safety are the primary concern.  For this reason, I would recommend delaying surgery until you are fully recovered.  Having cold symptoms (even just a cough) increases your risk during anesthesia.  General anesthesia involves the use of a ventilator.  Having cold symptoms -especially a productive cough - can make breathing for you difficult.  It can also increase your risk of anesthesia complications after the surgery.  Additionally, coughing will be VERY painful after tummy tuck.