Pain from Muscle Repair Stitch After Tummy Tuck

Thanks for your question. There can be several things that contribute to abdominoplasty pain. In the immediate post-op period the incision itself can cause some pain. This can be controlled by injection of local numbing medication, pain pumps and post-op pain medication. The typical more lasting pain (usually for about 1 - 3 months) can be the muscle plication. Part of an abdominoplasty includes tightening of the muscle. This involves large permanent sutures into the muscle and the... more

Hi there, The pain you are describing is difficult to diagnose without knowing the technique used and performing an exam, and so we should go with your doctor's assessment. It is not uncommon with Tummy Tuck surgery to have pain with certain movements, or tenderness over certain areas of the muscle repair for several months after surgery. Over time, as the internal scar tissue matures, this will resolve. Congratulations on your new form!

New pain in an area of the central abdomen is quite common as the nerves recover and your actiivity increases. Keep in close contact with your surgeon to ensure that this is not a sign of a more serious condition but in all likelihood, it will resolve with time (approximately 3-6 weeks). see video

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective technique to contour the abdomen. During the surgery, patients will receive a repair of their muscle layer with different suture techniques. If you have placed too much stress on your abdomen, it is possible to pop one of these muscle sutures. Rest assured that this layer has multiple sutures and the loosening of one suture should not affect the entire result. If you continue to have discomfort at this point, your best bet is to return to your... more

At 6 weeks you are still early post-op.  You will feel many different sensations over the next several months as the nerves "awaken."  It sounds most likely that the discomfort you have is from the muscle repair.  Keep a close follow-up with your doctor to make sure that is all it is.

The pain you describe is often associated with stitches within the layer of tissue that tightens your abdomen. These stitches can pull with ordinary movements. The pain you describe is the result. Of course, when you see your doctor, let him/her examine it fully. But at this time, I would not worry, it will go away.

It is true that residual aches and pains may linger after a tummy tuck for up to three months, particularly if the muscle was plicated and tightened. However, some patients develop reactions to Prolene or other suture material. I saw a patient this week who has had recurrent abscesses for three years after abdominoplasty with drainage and Prolene may be the culprit. (And never mind that the general surgeon who performed the tummy tuck now wants nothing to do with the patient and told him... more