MHillman

Tummy Tuck with Devastating Complications

At 4 months out I dont think there is any way you could "undo" your muscle repair. My PS released me to all exercises at 6 weeks. Although I tried i really could not do much with my abdominal muscles until 10 or 11 weeks out. But at that point I began full abs workout. I'd say you've just pulled or stretched one of your stomach muscles. You should work diligently to re-strengthen your abdominal muscles, that's the entire reason for your surgery. And how wonderful it must be to be a size 2 and actually be able to feel the sutures. good luck

Thank you both for your comments, I appreciate them. I do not think this nerve damage is that common, because noone in the town I live in, even the pain management specialist who has done nothing but pain management has seen it, the plastic surgeon who performed my surgery said he had never seen it, and I went to get another opinion and said that he'd never had a patient to have it, but had seen it in a few other patients from other doctors. Thus my being referred to the Cleveland Clinic. They have seen it numerous times and said that it was one or several neuromas. To s.h.e. who is considering the tummy tuck....after having that burning sensation experience after your c-section I would think LONG AND HARD about doing the tuck. just from my heart to you, let your mind remember that burning that you felt for that week even though you were drugged up, now imagine that it never went away....that's how I live. I would consult with several, and I mean more than 2 plastic surgeons and explain that this happened to you after your c-section and that you have talked to someone via internet who has this as a permanent complication, could this possibly happen to you. My surgeon took my scar way further around my back than he and I discussed, like there is only 3" that is not cut, and from talking to the numerous doctors and the world renowned specialists in Cleveland when you pass the hipbone line and start taking the incision toward the back there is where the trouble lies, but they are not certain of that. I will tell you this will 100% certainty, having lived with this pain for 19months now and the pain is EXACTLY as you described after your c-section, there is no way that I would do it. But obviously I am going to say that, I've had a horrible outcome, there are, and youve read them, others on this board who are thrilled with their results. My stomach is flat, I was in a size 12 jeans before and now I'm in an 8, my scar looks aweful, again my failure to search out the best plastic surgeon even if I had to drive a few hours to get one. If your one of the lucky ones it's awesome, if your like me, it really sucks, I'm 42 and have the rest of my life to live with this :( I'd be glad to chat with you further as you make your decision. I've not tried to persuade you in any directionh, just letting you seeing it from another view, which is rarely shown. Best of luck to you!!!

First let me say how sorry I am for you! I know what it's like to be dissatisfied with your tuck. I woke up with a scar that all but 3 inches encircled my entire torso! We DEFINATELY did not agree on that, and I've had horrible complications due to the fact that he cut me so far around, I have permanent nerve damage. Your scar is very high. Did he mark you before you went into surgery? I had a breast reduction in addition to the tuck and he marked the reduction really well and he did some marks on my stomach but they DID NOT go as far around as he made the scar. I am 19 months out and still seeking help for my pain. If I were you I would high-tail it to another reputable surgeon and see if the surgery could be redone with the skin pulled down some more making the scar lower. I know what you mean about the emotional side of dealing with it, I am seeing a pain management psychiatrist to help me learn biofeedback and how to cope with chronic pain. Please keep me posted how your doing. My email is Hillman@windstream.net if you'd like to email me. Best to you. Missy

Hi itchy! I'm so sorry to hear of your complication following your tummy tuck. I too have had a complication from mine which was done 19 months ago. Instead of itching mine is INTENSE burning. It is in my lower tummy. It bagan almost immediately following the surgery, and my surgeon basically dismissed any complaints, even saying that he'd never had anyone complain of this. I went to another surgeon in another town and to a pain management doctor in my town. I even went to Clevelend Clinic to a world renowned doctor who tried a nerve block. It gave me 5 days relief. It is nerve damage, which is what you have I'm sure. I have to take 2 lortabs a day for the pain, have tried neurontin, lyrica, elevil, and am on keppra now and they have horrible sidee effects. Have you seen any specialists about your problem?

Rachael, Your results are absolutely beautiful and I am so happy for you. You are right about being comfortable with your surgeon. I went with the surgeon who had the best reputation in my town but didn't "feel" comfortablle with him, and my gut proved to be true. As you may have read I had a horrible complication and my surgeon completely dismissed them. I'm 19 months post op, have severe nerve damage/pain and my scar is aweful! Instead of it going to the hip-line like yours does mine goes almost all the way around my body, and no I did not know that was going to happen. After such a horrible experience for me, it's nice to know that others are happy, look good and had a wonderful experience. You look fabulous! Missy