Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

What Can I Do About Long-term Tummy Tuck Scar Pain?

I had a full tummy tuck 17 months ago. I still have to wear a compression garments all day and I take them off about 2 hours before bed. I stand and walk all day at work as a Retail Manager. I returned to work day 10 after my surgery, and it was really hard, but I forced myself up and at it.

I had swelling for almost the first year after surgery. Swelling now seems to be almost eliminated but I still have a severe burning and pulling sensation right on the thickest part of my scar (the center 3-4") Is this normal? Will massage help? I have been trying massage the last 3-4 weeks. It seems like it is helping a little. Any suggestions?

Tags:

scar

Comment on this

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Hollye in Texas

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (0)

Management of long-term tummy tuck scar pain

Tummy tucks are a popular and very effective way to contour the abdomen. Patients who undergo this procedure should anticipate a recovery process may last 6 to 8 months. If you continue to have pain in your tummy tucks are 17 months after your surgery, you should be evaluated by your surgeon. It is possible that you may have an area of the scar that is very thick and irritating underlying tissue. It is also possible that a small amount of nerve tissue may have grown into the scar and is... more

Abdominoplasty scar pain

Thanks for the question. It is unusual to need a compression garment after 8 weeks. Scar pain can be caused from a number of issues including abnormal healing from the scarring (keloid or hypertrophic scars), injury to cutaneous nerves in the area, or other issues. Treatment at this point can include: 1. steroid injection - this can be particularly helpful in cases of hypertrophic scars or cutaneous nerve injury. Risks include atrophy or hypopigmentation in the injected area. 2. scar... more

Not typical a year after Tummy Tuck

What you are describing is not the typical thing we would see over a year after surgery. I would follow up with your doc and get a physical exam. If he notices anything unusual, he may want to perform an imaging study such as a CT scan, but start with the physical exam. Good luck, Dr. S

You might also like...

Real Stories

TT July 1st - Counting Down the Days - San Diego, CA

I'm 57, I have 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren to date - Dr Pousti did my BA and...

Before + After Photos

View 4303 Tummy Tuck photos

This is not typical

Hollye, This is not typical more than a few months after surgery. Have you been back to see your surgeon? Massage may help, but this far out from surgery, I really doubt it. Does the scar look okay? Is it raised (hypertrophic) or wide? Do you feel any fullness under that area? If you post a picture, we may be able to give you more advice, but I think you really need to go in for a physical examination. Good luck.

Painful tummy tuck scar

IT sounds as if you are experiencing a hypertrophic or keloid scar. Quite frequently this will respond to steroid injections with relief of pain in 2-3 days. Consult with your surgeon about this option. see video

You may need Tummy Tuck scar revision

I am not sure why you are still wearing a compression garment 17 months after surgery. I usually recommend 3-6 weeks post -surgical only. In terms of your scar, it would be hard to tell what you may have or need without seeing you. If the scar is raised and firm, usually by 17 months, the scar has completely matured. If there is a lot of tension on the scar, it could still possibly be maturing. On the other hand, you may need a scar revision, or steroid injections, or possibly other... more

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck scar may be hypertrophic or keloid

17 months after Tummy Tuck is a long time. You might have a hypertrophic scar or keloid. You need a clinical exam to determine why you still have these symptoms. I would recommend a follow-up with your surgeon.

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.