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?
it is normal after abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to experience some muscle discomfort. Pain should be controlled with pain medication and muscle relaxers. It sounds like you may have stressed your suture line which may have pulled the muscle leading to the pain you are experiencing. This should improve. It may be helped with some muscle relaxers such as Valium. However, you should discuss this with your surgeon. Good luck with your recovery.
Dear Rogy61, There can be many reasons for pain after surgery- a muscle pull is one of them- also- infection, seroma, hematoma, suture failure and referred pain from another area or inflammed sensory nerve.
The pain can also arise from inflammation of the veins that run from the breast down to the tummy. This is known as Mondor's disease. this will improve with Anti-inflammatories and massage.
if there is no change in the area and no other symptoms then local massage and pain control is good place to start. An ultrasound may help if you have increased symptoms/pain or persisiting symptoms interfering with your recovery and daily activities.
you are best to return to your MD and inquire about your continued symptoms for management and reassurance.
With Warm Regards,
Trevor M Born MD
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