Pulling and soreness 5 months after Tummy tuck and muscle repair. Any suggestions?

Question

I have soreness around mid line especially after sitting. If I swim or move around I feel a lot of pulling on left hand side of abdomen all the way down. I can only describe it feeling as if I have ( figuratively ) swallowed chewing gum and its scattered and pulling all over the inside of the abdomen. What can this be please ? Sometimes it gives way to burning feeling.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. At five months post op, you will still be undergoing healing, so there may be some unusual feelings you are experiencing. Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. It may take several months for a tummy tuck
patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the
tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery,
abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may
stay red, become thick or widen . It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.I recommend that you speak with your PS about your concerns and abide by his/her plan of healing. Best Wishes to you!#fivemonthspostop #swelling #nerveissues #healing

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although uncommon, permanent numbness can occur after tummy tuck surgery, especially in the lower mid line area between the scar and belly button. After 5 months there can be some improvement but it is doubtful. In most cases there is some sensation present, just not the normal pre-surgical amount. The good news is that it does not affect your normal functions and with time, most people are no longer aware or concerned with its presence.#tummytucknumbness #tummytuckpost-op

Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

At 5 months after surgery, your tissues should be beginning to relax so that the tightness will resolve.  I would recommend a dedicated stretching regimen for several weeks to speed up the process.  You shouldn't be able to damage the results this far out from surgery so you can be fairly aggressive.

John Y.S. Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Having pain after abdominoplasty is definitely common.  Burning can be part of the normal process or sometimes rarely there can be some entrapped nerves.  I would go see y our surgeon so he or she can examine you and help you decipher the cause and potential treatment for your discomfort.

Pulling and soreness 5 months after Tummy tuck and muscle repair. Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

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