As you are aware the tummy tuck procedure involves tightening the muscle/fascial layer which flattens the anterior abdominal wall. Additionally, when the fat/skin layer of the abdomen is cut out (excised), it is removed in an oval shape. The middle portion of the excised fat/skin layer which is directly above... more
Is tightness post-Tummy Tuck normal?
I'm a 60-yr old female with good physical health. I had a Tummy Tuck on 5 weeks ago, and now I am having a lot of tightness. One day I think I'm progressing well, and then the next I feel as if I've stepped by several days. I have been wearing a fairly tight compression garment and am uncomfortable without it. I thought I would start feeling better and not as tight as time goes on but haven't.
Is this tightness normal at this stage? Also, should I change to a less fitting garment? Please provide any additional suggestion for a speedier recovery. This surgery has really taken its toll on me. I don't seem to be improving as quickly as I feel that I should.
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16 answers to “Is tightness post-Tummy Tuck normal?”A: Some tightness is normal.
Hello, One of the benefits of a tummy tuck is tightness. The question is how much tightness do you have? I have seen one patient (fortunately she had her tummy tuck elsewhere) who was too tight or at least she felt so. She sought to have her tummy tuck "loosened." This is the only such case I have... more
A: Stiffness is Common
Tummy tuck is a BIG operation. From my experience, the trauma to the muscles causes spasm, tightness, and stiffness. In the early postoperative period, this causes the majority of pain, and later, it can still cause significant discomfort. At this point in your recovery, you may be starting to... more
A: Tincture of time
I agree with the vast majority of comments below. Scars generally build for 6 weeks after any injury and you have just about reached the peak. So tightness at 5 weeks is not unusual Scars will soften after the following 6 weeks and therefore I tell my patients to allow 6 weeks to pass before things will relax... more
A: Post tummy tuck, everyone heals at a different rate
The tightness is normal. Many patients complain of being physically tired after the procedure, because the soreness around the abdomen afffects their core strength. Take it easy; it will get better.
A: Too tight or too loose, that is the question!
Dear Beaches2961, I'm writing to endorse the excellent comments on your question. I do think that Dr. Rand hit the nail on the head when refering to the age of a tummy tuck as affecting the recovery. My 60+ tummy tucks seem to want faster recovery and notice more subtle changes than my 30+ tummy... more
A: Give it time
Beaches, What you describe is not unusual following a tummy tuck. The tightness that you are still feeling may be scar tissue forming under the skin. It will eventually soften and relax and then you may be unhappy that your tightness has gone. You can try down grading to a lighter compression... more
A: Try not wearing the compression garment.
To beaches2961, Hi. Of all the cosmetic surgery procedures, a tummy tuck has the toughest recovery. So your symptoms don't sound worrisome. In a few weeks you should feel much better. After 5 weeks, you can certainly try to exercise.
A: Tightness after 5 weeks is still possible.
Most abdominoplasties or tummy tucks result in tightness for two different reasons. First, the abdominal wall skin/fat is lifted up to the rib level. The patient is often then sligtly flexed at the waist, the excess skin is remove and the incision is closed. Removal of this excess... more
A: Tightness of abdomen is normal and will ease up in 6 weeks.
It is very normal and expected to feel tight around your abdomen after a tummy tuck, because this procedure is designed to tightened the loosened abdominal wall. Most of my patients complain of abdominal tightness for the first week after surgery, which gradually goes away by six weeks after surgery.
Comments
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12 posts
25 Dec 2008
I would like to say "thank you" to all the doctors who responded to my questions. Your information and advice was very helpful. Thank you.
1 post
15 Jan 2009
one month ago I had an tummy tuck, I understand the discomfort and all. my problem is that my tummy looks bigger compared to the surgery,tighes, and bottom. I had a live in Nurse and her Hubby Doctor lives w/ me that first week and began to feed me well. I cut back because I notice the weight change. but the thing is I weighe less after the surgey, but cannot fit the clothes prior to my surgery. I am able to fit all of my old clothes which was to big prior to the wight I loss. I understand that Iam swollen still, but what happen to my thighes? LOL
12 posts
15 Jan 2009
I would say that it is just from the trauma of the surgery. I am still swollen at 9 wks post op but it is going down slowly. Most of my swelling is from the belly button down. I think it will take me about another 2-3 months for the majority of the swelling to go down. I'm using the scarring sheets and I think that helps to reduce the swelling some but not as fast as I would like it to. I probably haven't answered your question but I, too, am still swollen. Patience is a virtue when it comes to this surgery!!!