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Can Tightness After Tummy Tuck Be Fixed?

asked 3 years ago by Catrinka in Boston
Latest answer by Christopher L. Hess, MD
Question viewed 944 times
Tags: abdomen

I had a full abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) almost four years ago. While it looks very good, it has always felt like I have a belt around my waist that is pulling and too tight. It has been like this 24/7. I returned to my doctor who says he has no clue. It was found that I had a ventral hernia and it was repaired, but still the tightness remains. I'm very discouraged and hate having this chronic, uncomfortable feeling. What could the problem be and can it be fixed?

5 answers to Can Tightness After Tummy Tuck Be Fixed?

+1

There's no good answer

I can just about guarantee that no one will have a good answer. After 4 years the tissues are completely settled and actually have loosened somewhat since surgery. Why you would be having this issue still after all these years is really odd. I think that loosening up the fascia would be a big mistake because I don't think it would change the sensations you're having. I might try some Lyrica to see if it would help. In addition I would make sure that there isn't a bowel issue. more
Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1

Isn't that what you want?

A 'tight feeling' after abdominoplasty sounds to me like a desirable outcome. Maybe you are so used to laxity, you don't know what the abdominal muscles should feel like. Count your blessings. It sounds like you have a good Tummy Tuck.
G. Gregory Gallico III, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scar tissue, sutures

It sounds like you are indeed tight. With the hernia repair and the tummy tuck, the strength layer was made very tight. It is possible to try to weaken the abdominal wall to encourage relaxation, but it carries risk and may not work. If you have extra weight, you may want to try to lose some of it to allow for extra room in your abdominal cavity. sek
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tightness after Tummy Tuck

In the tummy tuck procedure, the anterior tissue is tightened to give a flatter appearence. It may be feasable to go in and release these sutures early on. However, at this point, the tissue is adherent in this position and " loosening it " would be much more difficult. Opening you to look at the situation may be the only possible solution.
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon

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