Severe pain in muscle repair area at 8 months post-op after a jog normal?

Question

When I jog I sometimes have to stop as the MR gets extremely tight (painful). Then hours later I barely can move without pain in that area.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Pain that makes you stop jogging and then leaves you barely able to move hours later is not something I would simply label as normal at 8 months after a tummy tuck with muscle repair. Some tightness, pulling, or muscle fatigue can happen as activity increases, but severe or recurrent pain in the repair area deserves an exam. Possible causes can include overuse or strain of the repaired abdominal wall, scar tightness, nerve irritation, inflammation around sutures, a small hernia, or a separation/weakness that needs to be ruled out.

I would stop jogging and high-impact core activity for now and contact your operating surgeon for an evaluation. They may want to examine you while you cough or strain, check for a bulge, and consider imaging if the exam is unclear. If you develop a new bulge, worsening pain, vomiting, fever, redness, drainage, or pain that does not settle with rest, you should be seen urgently. Once serious causes are excluded, a gradual return guided by your surgeon or a physical therapist is usually safer than pushing through the pain.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Resourceful149690,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, having pain now with activities is not normal. You might want to wear some compression when you jog and avoid heel striking which increases bouncing.  Also decrease your stride, which will decrease your bounce. Bouncing is wasted energy, may cause more pain, and does not help you move forward. Try chi running.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Severe abdominal pain 8 months post op is not typical.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation.  Until then you can rest and take ibuprofen if not allergic.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Long-term discomfort with certain activities is not all that uncommon after a full tummy tuck.
Eventually most people get used to the changes and learn to accommodate.
As tissues heal things usually settle down and the changes to your body become the new normal.
There isn’t much a plastic surgeon can do once the procedure is done.
Try to figure out what helps and what makes it worse and adjust accordingly. Stretching exercises may be helpful.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Severe pain in muscle repair area at 8 months post-op after a jog normal?

Answers (5)

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