Pain after Tummy Tuck is common

Otto Joseph Placik, MD answers: Localized muscle pain after Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift

Today is my 22nd day post-op from a full Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift. Five days ago, I bent over and seemed to pull something. Right afterwards I felt a stabbing pain on my right side 3 inches down from my ribs close to my midline. It is localized to one spot.

The pain is stabbing and burning, and has not gone away for 5 days straight. I saw my plastic surgeon and he said the stitches were intact, and I probably pulled a muscle. I am in a lot of pain, but the rest of the area is tolerable pain and getting better. Is there any way to check to see if something is wrong. Would an untrasound help?


Otto Joseph Placik, MD
7 months ago

An ultrasound might help to visualize the area but even so there is littlte that you can do or would do at this point in time so there are few reasons to obtain one.

It is possible that you pulled a stitch. However, there are other stitches which should retain the result. Rarely does a whole operation depend on a single stitch.  I would rely on your surgeon's evaluation who is in the best position to judge your outcome.

It is also possible that sensation is returning and that you are becoming increasingly aware of pain in your abdomen. As you are undoubtedly are aware, you have little if any sensation in your lower abdomen and a slow creeping return of sensation from the outside-in.

You may want to ask your surgeon if you can now take NSAIDs to manage the pain and inflammation.

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