How Do I Know if I've Damaged my Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck, lipo on hips, thighs, flanks, and umbilical hernia repair on Dec. 13th and lifted my garage door on Jan. 2nd. How do I know if I caused damage? I am not in pain but I can't tell if there is swelling under my bellybutton since that area was still somewhat swollen anyway.

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

If you did not have any increased pain after lifting the door, it is unlikely that the muscle repair was damaged. Most likely it just some swelling but I would let your surgeon know what is going on so they can better evaluate you.

	Most surgeons recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a period of 4-8 weeks after abdominoplasty to allow things to heal appropriately

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It is difficult to tell you via this blog.  The best advice I can give is to discuss this with your surgeon at your follow up appointment.

	Dr. ES

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If patients engage in activity that would jeopardize the repair of the abdominal wall after a tummy tuck, pain would prevent them from completing the damage long before this occured. Patients should be mindful of the possibility of damaging the repair by heavy lifting, but I doubt you have done anything of long term significance by opening a garage door.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

In reality, you probably did not injure your tummy tuck but for your piece of mind I would recommend seeing your Plastic Surgeon for reassurance.  Early lifting is definitely not recommended but it is rare that a patient can actually undo a tummy tuck unless they do something extremely aggressive in the very early post-operative healing period.

	I hope that helps!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

inform your physician who will likely follow you but he/she can obain a CT scan (see VIDEO link below) and/or a high resolution ultrasound to make a definitive diagnosis.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your mishap after tummy tuck surgery.It would take a lot of force/trauma to do any real “damage”.  The only real/meaningful peace of mind you will achieve is after you are  examined by your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

Steven M. Lynch, MD · Answer

Hi,

	  Swelling under the belly button area to the pubis is normal and will exist even up to a year or more.  Be patient.  Tell you doctor and make sure that all is good but it would be very unlikely that lifting  a garage door after two weeks would hurt your long term result.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely you did any significant damage to your tummy tuck.  But the best way to know is to have your plastic surgery see you for a postoperative visit.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you dd not feel anything "pop" or expand quickly, I doubt that you caused any  damage. If you are concerned then I suggest you speak to your doctor.

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD · Answer

I would recommend going to see your board - certified plastic surgeon in order to let them examine you and determine if any injury has occured.

How Do I Know if I've Damaged my Tummy Tuck?

Answers (14)