Is it possible to have the fascia tightened too much in a tummy tuck?

Question

Are there cases where a surgeon could tighten the fascia too tight, leaving the woman feeling forever "cinched"? I am 5 weeks PO from full TT with very aggressive muscle repair and Lipo- I have a fear this tightness and strain will never fully go away-

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

The answer to this question depends on who you ask.  There are some plastics surgeons who believe that it is nearly impossible to permanently tighten the belly wall and that virtually all tummies will relax to the point of previously laxity with time.  I do not believe that your belly will ever return to the point of previous laxity (preoperative laxity) but I do think that the repair does relax slightly with time.  Thus, you likely will experience more relief with time.  In a worst case scenario, if you do not feel the abdomen relaxes after 6 months or so, the repair could be surgically undone or loosened, but I would wait at least 6 months before making that decision.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

It is normal to experience a significant amount of tightness in the early postoperative period following a tummy tuck. This improves over time as your body goes through the healing process. It's always a good idea to check in with your surgeon though. Take care,Dr. Howell

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  It is early in your result and the tightness you are experiencing does diminish.  Please discuss with yuor surgeon if he/she wants you to range your muscles anymore to loosen them. Good Luck.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Tightness is very common this early after a TT.  Give it more time before becoming too alarmed.  8 weeks at least.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. I recommend you to tell your plastic surgeon about what you are feeling.To avoid damaging the muscle repair, performed in the TT, you have to avoid any activity to increase the intra-abdominal pressure, that's mans, avoid efforts like carry much weight or becoming constipated.At this point (5 months post-op) the swelling have to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Guy Watts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. At 5 weeks after surgery it is not uncommon to have some feelings of tightness in the abdomen. If you were still bent over and unable to stand straight then I would discuss this with your surgeon. With time the tissues will relax and the feelings of tightness will improve. RegardsDr Guy Watts

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You can certainly over tighten the abdominal fascia but this would not be too common.  More than likely you are still early in the recovery process and will improve over time.  Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to understand and help you manage this problem.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This tightness is a very normal sensation during your recovery. You are still in the early inflammatory phase of healing. During the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. It is during this time that you will appear swollen, lumpy/bumpy and feel firm/tight. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time, as the soft tissues begin to accommodate, that you will start to see your results appear. I tell my patients that it will take at least 6 months for them to see their results.I would recommend you continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you in the post operative period. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to further discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing.I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Felicia89929.  It is normal to feel tightness after tummy tuck.  Depending on the extent of plication and skin/fat removal, you may feel tightness for 3-6 months.  You are only 5 weeks post-op; I would expect that the tightness would improve with time.  If fascia was pulled too tight, it tens to tear the fascia during surgery.Please talk with your plastic surgeon about your concern; he/she may be able to give you more reassurance and be able to give you more accurate timeline for your recovery course.  Best wishes.

Is it possible to have the fascia tightened too much in a tummy tuck?

Answers (9)

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