Can a Tummy Tuck Give Rise to Heartburn?

Question

I am 4 weeks post op and have started experiencing severe heartburn after meals. I feel like I have continuous cramping like feeling in the center of my chest that typically goes away after eating tums or a glass of milk.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would first discuss this with your primary care physician to exclude the possibility of a more serious underlying disease such as cardiac or pulmonary causes. Other than this the increased intraabdominal pressure from the muscle plication or medication side effects could be responsible. Smaller more frequent meals could ease the discomfort.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, a tummy tuck cause you to have heartburn. The tightening causes the organs to compress the stomach, and if you have a hiatus hernia problem, it may be unmasked. Stress from surgery may also cause you to get gastric irritation or even an ulcer. I would get on antacids and talk to your doctor.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Stomach contents and acid are prevented from going back up the food tube (esophagus) by a valve called the gastroesophageal sphincter. When the valve does not close properly stomach contents can go up as far s the back of the mouth. Various foods and medications relax this valve allowing this to happen. With Tummy Tucks as the stomach is tightened, the intraabdominal pressure is increased resulting on a higher incidence of reflux. As the pressure resolves in a few weeks this improves in many patients.
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Can a Tummy Tuck Give Rise to Heartburn?

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Answers (3)

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