I Am Having Problems After my Tummy Tuck. Should I Go to PS or my Primary Physician?

asked 7 months ago by drkelly in Bakersfield, CA
Latest answer by William Bruno, MD
Question viewed 136 times
Tags: 18 months post-op, burning, gone wrong, options, tear, tired

18 mos after my tt I cannot walk briskly, lift anything, run, play with my kids or workout. I cant even sit up unassisted. When I cough it still feels like its tearing and it has a burning sensation. My muscle spasmed the night of surgery when I was recovering at home and the pain was so bad I was in and outof consciousness. Could something have gone wrong?? If so I dont even know how or if it can be fixed. I can feel a bulge when my muscles get stressed but its hard to see from the outside.

8 answers to I Am Having Problems After my Tummy Tuck. Should I Go to PS or my Primary Physician?

Follow up with your plastic surgeon

I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon for a complete evaluation of your signs and symptoms. A CT scan may add more to this clinical picture as well. You can also seek out a second opinion which is sometimes helpful to get a more objective assessment. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.williambrunomd.com

Tummy tuck follow up

Most complications from a tummy tuck seem to occur within the first few days or weeks after surgery. Rarely patients can continue to have issues after even longer periods of time. After 18 months, its difficult to know for sure what might be occurring. It does sound like you may need an ultrasound or a ct scan to look for a hernia. You should certainly start with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will have the best understanding as to what was done... more

Kelly Gallego, MD
Sioux City Plastic Surgeon

www.drgallego.com

I Am Having Problems After my Tummy Tuck. Should I Go to PS or my Primary Physician?

18 months post operative you need a scan and PS evaluation in my opinion. Maybe even second opinions from other boarded PSs in your area.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

See your plastic surgeon

Definitely return to your plastic surgeon for postop care and do not go to your internist. There is a reason why plastic surgeons complete seven years of surgical training. The only reason to see an internist is for a recommendation to see a plastic surgeon. This may be necessary if your surgeon is unable to allay your concerns and address this problem. The situation you describe is atypical and raises concern as to what was done and how it was done. I hope you are able to resolve this... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Your plastic surgeon should lead the investigation into what you are experiencing

Hello, You are describing signicant symptoms that are not a common part of the usual tummy tuck healing process. Your plastic surgeons should be aware of what you are experiencing and should be able to provide either an explanation for what could be occuring or the next step in the diagnosis process. All the best, Dr Repta

Remus Repta, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

Significant symptoms 18 months following a tummy tuck

I fully agree with the other respondents: you first need to see your plastic surgeon and explicitly reveal your issues and concerns. The problems that you are experiencing are not normal or typical for a tummy tuck. This visit should be followed by one with your primary care physician for an appropriate workup. Your plastic surgeon may initiate this or involve other medical professionals as well. Good luck!

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

What doctor should I see?

Your complaints and limitations are not typical. Complete history, physical examination, and probably imaging studies are indicated. Begin with your plastic surgeon because he or she knows the history of your procedure, but other specialist expertise may be necessary to further investigate the cause of your problems, and develop solutions.

Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

Problems After Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Given that it is very difficult to know what is going on in your situation 18 months after tummy tuck surgery, it may be in your best interest to be seen by your primary care physician as well as your plastic surgeon. A good history physical and possible radiologic evaluation may be necessary to determine what is causing your symptoms. Best wishes.