Prolonged or repeated coughing or sneezing fits can be particularly problematic for patients who have just undergone a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) cosmetic surgical procedure, as their abdominal muscles are in the process of healing. Although sneezing or coughing in and of themselves is not particularly dangerous, it can cause problems for patients healing from tummy tuck procedures. It is important to not only understand how the abdomen is affected in general by sneezing or coughing, but the particular challenges it can cause after a tummy tuck procedure.

Abdominal Reactions to Sneezing and Coughing

Coughing and sneezing are automatic reactions to certain stimuli, such as irritants or bright lights. As part of the sneeze or cough reaction, the diaphragm and muscles in and around the ribcage will tighten as the air is expelled out of the lungs in an effort to clear the irritant. If the irritant is particularly strong, the muscles may tighten to the point of aching, but this will usually pass shortly after the sneezing or coughing fit passes.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Now that we understand what happens to the abdominal muscles when coughing or sneezing, we also need to understand what is involved in a tummy tuck procedure. The procedure is designed to remove excess skin and tissue and tighten up loose muscles.

A horizontal incision is made from one hipbone across to the other. The skin and underlying tissue are then lifted up, the abdominal muscles are sutured tight, and the skin is re-draped over the muscle, pulled tight, and sutured back into place after the excess is removed. A tummy tuck procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with liposuction to remove excess fat.

Coughing and Sneezing after Tummy Tuck

The majority of the initial healing of the skin, tissue, and muscle will happen over the course of four to six weeks. The scar tissue that forms as a natural part of this process tends to be rigid and less flexible than normal tissue. As a result, any movement that requires any amount of "give" to the abdomen, as can happen with coughing or sneezing, may cause a feeling of tightness or pain. Although patients may feel as though they have torn open an abdominal suture, the truth is that most coughing and sneezing will not generate enough force to do so. Furthermore, an actual suture tear would be immediately followed by a considerable increase in pain.

Although the risk of any serious injury is minimal, Dr. Paul Pin has several recommendations to help patients alleviate some of the discomfort that can arise from sneezing or coughing while healing from a tummy tuck. The best method is to press a pillow to the abdomen when feeling any sneezing or coughing attack is imminent. This will help cushion any abdominal movement, reducing the stress on any scar tissue or sutures. Dr. Pin also recommends stretching exercises such as Pilates and yoga as a gentle means to stretch out scar tissue and allow it to have more elasticity. If patients are prone to allergies from dust or pet dander, cleaning the house thoroughly may cut down on those irritants.

The truth is that the sutures used to close the abdomen in a tummy tuck are very difficult to tear, unless the patient has a prolonged, vigorous sneezing or coughing fit. In most cases, although the sensation may be uncomfortable, no real lasting damage can be done from coughing or sneezing following a tummy tuck procedure.