Will I Get Better After Tummy Tuck Problems?

asked 2 years ago by becareful in KY.
Latest answer by Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Question viewed 1,131 times
Tags: abdomen, pain, scar

Is it normal or am I supposed to have so much pain after Tummy Tuck? Will the numbness ever go away? Was it something I did that caused me to bleed so much? My scars are ugly; why is this? Should he not have done the surgery all the way around my body? I'm so afraid that one day I will injure myself somehow in the numb areas and won't know it! Will I get better?

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8 answers to Will I Get Better After Tummy Tuck Problems?

Tummy tuck pain and numbness

You do not state how far are you from your surgery, what was your weight and height. People who are closest to their ideal body weight will have the best results and the least possible complications. It is common to have pain especially after muscle repair and numbness as well. I tell my patients that the numbness resolves in about six months, but in an occassional patient I've seen it last over a year. This is mainly in the lower abdomen, between the belly button and the pubic area. Did... more

George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

All of your questions are valid and you deserve some answers

I would strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. All of your questions are valid and you deserve some answers. Your plastic surgeon knows you the best and understands what surgical techniques were utilized, and is the most capable of providing you with the best information. It sounds like you have experienced a very difficult post operative course. Let your plastic surgeon and his/her staff assist you doing your recovery. I... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Anything that could go wrong did go wrong

Abdominoplasty is a procedure that is done thousands of times each year in this country. If the patient is appropriately evaluated preoperatively and the correct surgical technique is performed, including precautions for blood clots, than the risks can be minimized. Unfortunately complications do happen but usually not all of them at once! Why the bleeding etc I have no idea. The numbness usually resolves over the course of several months. Although it is possible to have permanent... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Return to your surgeon for answers

It is implossible to know the answer to your questions without knowing more about your surgery, the extent, the techniques, the timing, etc. You have many, many questions that need to be addressed by your surgeon or his staff. It sounds as if you may have lost some trust but remember it is in your surgeon's best interests to make you a satisfied patient. Give him or her an opportunity to answer your questions.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You need your doctor's answers, not the internet's

You are very fragile and have anxiety about many issues that may be perfectly normal after a tummy tuck. Only your doctor knows you best and you trusted them to do your suregry. Honor that trust and keep these questions addressed to your doctor. They will want to help you!!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Numbness and scar problems after Tummy Tuck will subside

Depending on how long you are since your Tummy Tuck surgery, everything sounds fine. The numbness will go away. The scar will get better. Just give it all time--it can take a year.

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after tummy tuck

It's hard to answer most of your questions because you don't indicate how much time has passed since your surgery. I tell my patients that numbness can persist up to a year postop but should improve slowly during that time. The same goes for scar maturation. With regard to pain and discomfort, this usually improves faster (over 6-8 weeks). I suggest you voice your concerns to your surgeon as they are probably easily addressed. Good luck!

Elan B. Singer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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