I recently underwent a tummy tuck on March 13, 2013. The first two days were very challenging for me, but now I'm able to move around more and use the bathroom by myself. I have been experiencing a lot of phlegm after the surgery, which is quite uncomfortable and painful when I try to cough. However, despite the pain, I believe it's worth it, and I understand that it takes time to see the results.
It is common to experience a productive cough after an abdominoplasty, especially if you have been less active. Coughing can actually be beneficial as it helps open up the small airways in your lungs and can prevent the development of pneumonia.
Your cough and phlegm can be considered normal. During anesthesia, the anesthetic assists with your breathing, which may not expand your lungs as fully as they would under normal circumstances to minimize the risk of lung injury. As a result, mucus can accumulate, leading to the production of phlegm. This mucus is typically cleared naturally, but coughing can aid in its removal and prevent potential complications such as pneumonia. It is normal for coughing to be uncomfortable due to irritation of the abdominal and chest muscles. Rest assured that these symptoms will improve with time during your recovery. Best wishes
Experiencing a cough after a lengthy surgical procedure like a tummy tuck is not uncommon. During general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist assists with your breathing by manually pushing air into your lungs. This form of ventilation doesn't fully "expand" your lung spaces as natural breathing would, and as a result, it's usual to cough quite a bit after surgery. Your surgeon may have given you an incentive spirometer, a device that resembles a ball in a tube. When you inhale through this device, it aids in "opening up" your lung passages, thereby improving coughing and the clearing of mucus. Besides, it's also possible that you might be dealing with a common cold. For smokers, it's almost typical to experience a significant amount of coughing/mucus production after general anesthesia. To ease the abdominal discomfort while coughing, keep a small firm pillow handy to press against your abdomen. This should make the act of coughing more manageable. An over-the-counter cough suppressant like Dexamethasone could also be beneficial.
Get updated with beauty resources, tips, and news
United Kingdom
Disclaimer: The content on this site is provided solely for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Any actions you take shall be at your sole and exclusive risk
