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Sore and stiff muscles after tummy tuck

By marilize on 30 Jan 2010

I had a tummy tuck 8 days ago, muscles very stiff and sore. is this normal, and how long will this keep up?

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yvette5480 6 Oct 2012

My pre op is October 18 surgery date October 24. I'm really nervous. Thanks for all the post i feel better

BasketballCoach 19 Aug 2012

Hello everyone! I'm 11 days out from a tummy tuck that included my hips as well as a breast lift / reduction. It's been very difficult, but I remain optimistic. At 7 days my surgeon told me I was uncommonly swollen around my abdomen with what he guessed was 10 pounds of excess water. My surgeon did not use drains so I wondered if I will have to have them if the swelling doesn't subside. Is that even an option? I'm walking closely upright, I have about 20 degrees to go. What is most bothersome is sleeping. I cannot lay on my back due to the incisions back there. Any suggestions or folks out there with similar experiences? My next follow-up is in 3 days putting me at 2 weeks out. I'm open to stretches or other ideas anyone has! Thanks!

denam 27 Feb 2012

Hi all. I had a TT (no muscle tightening) with lipo on 2/17. The area near the belly button is concave and the area at the scar site seems swollen. I also seems to be getting cramping around the scar. Migraines are occurring every two days. Anyone experiencing this? I'm getting quite nervous!

Princess1977 22 Feb 2012

Hi all I'm getting a full tummy tuck in less than 6 wks I'm quiet nervous I have 2 wks off from work is tat enough time in a sales assistant I have 5 beautiful so my tummy quiet saggy and muscles not great is it worth it please tell me your experiences thanks alot

Madison5269 (RealFriend) 23 Feb 2012

Hi! Welcome! I had my full tummy tuck 10 months ago and, yes, I feel it is very worth it. I think 2 weeks off work is enough time, but you have to see how you feel.

This procedure is a very long recovery. You will be swollen and very tired for quite a while, but it is normal. There are many reviews and before and after photos on this site - so look around and that will help you get an idea of others experiences. You can also write your own review if you would like. This is a very supportive forum and we are all here for you!

kummkumm1 2 Oct 2012

I am a dancer/gymnast. Seeing that you had your TT quite a while ago, can you tell me how long after the TT I will be able to bend over all the way backwards as I have to continue with my work after my TT. I am going in next month. Thankx.

LalaJane 3 Oct 2012

Hi, i am a personal trainer and mum of 3 (age 46), had a full TT and breast augmentation August 2011, i went into surgery fit, strong and lean. Recovery was speedy for me in the fact that i was operated on on Thursday morning and was back at work on Monday! BUT i was very stiff and bent over and my job did not require me to lift or jump around. But by 2 week post op i was 110% improved from the week prior. I was back on my exercise bike (gently) and moving much better BUT i was still miles away from really feeling fantastic. It has been 12 months now and i can and will do anything and everything that i did before but i am still numb around my belly button area and it feels really weird to touch. But the overall look and effect is fantastic. The extra skin from pregnancies has gone, my 8cm abdominal separation has been sewn up and my abdominals are just as strong as they were pre TT. I always had good abdominal muscle definition and i still have post TT. Everyone is different, but i reckon it was around 6 - 8 months post TT that i actually felt like i could do all my Pilates movements and stretches. Good luck!

fi0f3r 5 Dec 2011

8 months post and still sore below the belly button. I am very tight!!!!

Shala 5 Dec 2011

If I am just laying around the house I do not wear my binder as it constricts my breathing. But, if I away from the house doing errands I wear my binder ( I have multiple ones ). My surgeon really pulled me tight and sometimes it feels like my stomach is touching my backbone! Feeling is still not there below the belly button. Feels weird when wearing clothes.

fi0f3r 5 Dec 2011

Well I was where u r at. I am now 8 month post and it has finally gone done. I am still a little swollen and sore. Still wear my binder.

ronaldlawsons 5 Dec 2011

I have my tummy tuck 31 / 2 months ago, I was very tight. My muscles feel like is going to pop up. Also when I did my clothing between my navel and my incision is still swelling up, whenever I'm not on my apparel. Going to try acupucture this week. With CT and all is well. Do not know what else to do. I think a flat tummy tuck free stomachI my 31 / 2 months before the pain, I am still very nervous. My muscles feel like is going to pop up. Also when I did my clothing between my navel and my incision is still swelling up, whenever I'm not on my apparel. Going to try acupucture this week. With CT and all is well. Do not know what else to do. I think a flat stomach pain free.

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Buttercup74 30 Nov 2011

If you had muscle repair, you cannot work out for at least 8 weeks. Every doctor is different. some say you can't do any core workout for 6 months. My doc said I was good to do anything I wanted at 8 weeks. If you are anything like me, you won't be able to eat very much food anymore, so you shouldn't worry about gaining your weight back.

Isaacma89 29 Nov 2011

I had an entire body lift done 2 weeks ago! I had the surgery on a Friday and was back to class on Monday. I've been walking straight now since I got my stitches taken out, and enjoying every bit of it! However, I'm still scared to go to the gym, and was wondering does anyone know about how long we can wait until we can go back? I'm scared I'm going to get fat again... I cannot do gain it back!!! I worked too hard to lose this much weight...

Shala 22 Oct 2011

Just shy of my four week mark post op from full TT, breast lift and lipo on flanks,outer and inner thighs. That's a lot for a 64 year old! Each day is better than the one before, but it takes patience. And some days I seem to be lacking in that department. I have started lymphatic massage twice a week with some results of softening especially at the hip bones. Lots of fresh fruit, lean protein with small amount of carbs. Vitamins including Arnica for bruising and swelling. My back does hurt if I stand too long, I am sore from the lipo, but to see the "end product" is worth these small inconveniences. Just remember where we all started!

Jinka1950 1 Oct 2011

I had a Tummy tuck with lipo... Wed. 9-28.. Hey gals..I had the same surgery 27 yrs. ago. It takes from 6 months to one year to be back to normal. This is a serious surgery, with serious healing and rehab. The body has been cut open and traumatized. Don't be in a hurry. The results are phenomenol. However, the standing straight etc.. is just a slow process. Don't 'push the river' don't rush the physcal recovery. For heaven's sake, this is a lot of money, and don't want to ruin the results. The 'post surgery' behaviour, care and rehab are just as important as the surgery!! Don't rush anything.. you'll be thankful you didn't!!

cjmacmom 6 Sep 2011

Hi! I am 37 years old and have enjoyed reading everyones stories. I am 4 1/2 weeks post op from a TT and Breast lift. For me the first 4 days were the worst as far as pain. I started Hivamat massage therapy on the 2nd day (6 treatments total) I was off pain meds by day 6. I was hunched over for almost 10 days and I too experienced that awful lower back pain from not being able to stand (massage helped with this too~). By day 10 the drains were removed and I started to feel better immediately. Day 14 I was back to work full time and haven't looked back. I still have some minor muscle aches if I sit to long at work or if I cough or sneeze I feel pain in my sternum area. The results are amazing and I recommend a recliner for anyone who considers the surgery because it was my bed for the first week. I am still in my post op girdle that I got at Slender Boutique and I hated it at first but now it has become my 2nd skin.

lisagaye 28 Jul 2011

Hi ! I'm 54 years old and 3 weeks post op with full TT & breast augmentation. First week was brutal and left me wondering "what have I done'! Week 2 was the turning point for me.... actually went to a wedding on day 16 post op ! Currently still have slight burning & soreness (muscles & nerves healing) and some swelling . Started icing (frozen peas!) yesterday for brief periods twice daily 20 minutes in the morning & another 20 in the evening and noticed a big change this morning.... especially in the pubic area! :) Can stand straight most of the time but by evening I'm starting to slouch over :(

Slopez 20 Jul 2011

I had a TT and lipo in Mexico about 4wks ago...I was very scared specially with all the horrible stories ppl say about PS in Mexico, but I had a really good PS and I am very happy with my results. My PS was very caring, he called me every two days after surgery to check on me, also the hospital staff were very nice. I was release from the hospital about 32hrs after surgery. I was walking straight the very next day after surgery. One week after the TT I was feeling really good and actually was bored from sitting around. I did break the rules and started cleaning my house but I did not pick up my two yr old..lol..I did however gave myself massages with Arnica cream and also drank the Arnica teas. And I never took the garmet off, well actually only to sleep.I went to work with in two weeks. I guess everyone is different. Over all my experience was very good and I am very please with my results.

pjames04 29 Jun 2011

Hi. I just had a tummy tuck and i'm 3 wks postop. Fortunately I don't have the tightness where i can't bend, but instead it looks as though I have some loose skin still. I'm wondering if when my swelling goes down, if my tummy will be tight and not saggy. I originally had the lipo suction done and then went back to have the full tummy tuck. (abdominal plasty) My PS says that my tummy will be flat and not to worry. I sure hope so. I also wonder if everything will even out cause it all lokks whop sided, but i guess that's from wearing this damn hot compression garmet....lol. HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED WHAT I'M EXPERIENCING? Please respond.

Madison5269 (RealFriend) 29 Jun 2011

I am about 12 weeks post op & still feel a light soreness, like after an ab workout, only not as bad. It is the muscles & nerves healing & connecting & coming together. I still have not started abwork & plan not to until 6 months post op. It is all normal though!

fi0f3r 26 Jun 2011

I had my tummy tuck 3 1/2 months ago and I am still very tight. Its feel like my muscles are gonna pop!!! Also when I don't have my garment on the area between my belly button and my incision still swell up whenever I don't were my garment/gridle!!! Gonna try acupucture this week!!!! Had a CT and everything is fine. Don't know what else to do!!! I want a flat pain free stomach!!!!

fi0f3r 29 Jul 2011

Update. I had ct done and everythiing is fine. Also had consultations with 3 plastic surgeon. Everything is fine. Swelling has gone down. Still a little tight. All the doctors say that my body is just heeling. Skin has not adhered yet Unfortunely for me its taking longer that most.

WKYAmy 29 Jul 2011

How can they tell if your skin has adhered or not?

fi0f3r 29 Jul 2011

By touching it.

dee1016 1 Jan 2011

Sorry for such a late update. Love, love my tummy tuck and boob lift. Totally happy with the outcome. Long and painful recovery was well worth the outcome. Now, If I would of known how painful, I would of re-thought the whole thing.