Sneezing, coughing and laughing after an abdominoplasty

Sneezing, coughing and laughing after an abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is the plastic surgery procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the tummy by eliminating the excess skin that can be present on the inferior abdomen and correcting other imperfections such as loose abdominal muscles and umbilical hernia. The procedure can be performed in different manners, and it often requires general anesthesia for the comfort of the patient. After the procedure, the patient is advised to take about two weeks off from work for the recovery period.

The recovery period after the abdominoplasty can take less or longer depending on the complexity of the procedure and also the health and emotional condition of the patient. Pre-existing health conditions can cause a delayed healing process.

To make the recovery period faster and to avoid complications, patients are advised to follow certain recommendations for about two weeks post-op. Among these we can mention sleeping on the back, walking and standing with the back slightly bent forward, and avoiding intense physical activities.

Even if the pain and discomfort after the tummy tuck are not overly intense and most patients will easily manage it with simple analgesic medication prescribed by the plastic surgeon if the patient performs physically demanding activities, the pain can become more intense and other complications can be triggered.

Avoiding complications is essential for the first two weeks, and to help you do this, and the plastic surgeon will give you several instructions. The medical staff will even instruct you on how to move, how to rest, how to sneeze, cough, and laugh at the beginning of the recovery period. Keep in mind that during the first week post-op any type of pressure or tension on the abdominal muscles can be painful, especially if the procedure entails the strengthening of the muscles with sutures. 

While patients might not be aware of it, sneezing, coughing, and even laughing can put pressure on the abdominal muscles. This kind of pressure can cause the incisions to open or pain that is more intense than normal. This is the reason why the plastic surgeon will advise you to stop smoking at least three weeks (if not more) before the procedure to avoid smokers’ coughing. Make sure to wear the compression garments at all times after the procedure as they will help if intense pressure is put on the muscles. Keeping your back slightly bent forward can help if you have a sneezing or coughing fit. Make sure to take long breaths and avoid these as much as possible. If you know you are allergic to certain substances, make sure you don’t get in contact with them during the first weeks after the tummy tuck. 

Laughing can also be a problem after the tummy tuck as it can also put pressure on the abdominal muscles. Make sure to stop if it gets uncomfortable.