Upper Abdominal Pain 8 Weeks PO? (photo)

Your result looks great and it is unlikely that you injured something.  If you experienced pain after your exercise, I would try starting again when the pain subsides with lighter exercise.  Please follow up with your plastic surgeon as well so that he can fully examine you and make sure everything is fine.  Best wishes!

 

 

Having abdominal pain in the early post abdominoplasty period, especially after exercising, is not uncommon at all.  In the process of repairing your rectus diastasis (abdominal muscle separation), all plastic surgeons use some form of suture technique to hold the muscles together until your body forms a strong scar.  At 8 weeks post abdominoplasty, your scar is between 70-90% of its full tensile strength, therefore it is unlikely your disrupted the scar which eventually will keep your muscles together. Your theory that an internal suture may be causing your belly pain makes perfect sense.  These sutures have not been completely replaced by scar tissue and a twist or a turn during your exercising probably pulled on one of these sutures causing pain and inflammation.  Taking an anti inflammatory such as Ibuprofen and resting awhile before beginning exercise again is appropriate.Don't worry.  I would bet you didn't hurt anything significant. 

Thanks for your question and picture.  You appear to have a good result so far.  If your pain started after exercising, it is possible that you are experiencing some muscle spasm.  You are still early in the process of healing and your tissues are not as compliant as they will be with time.  If the pain seems to be getting worse, then you should see your plastic surgeon so he or she can evaluate you in person.

     Did you feel anything pop or intense pain when you were working out?  You may have popped a suture.  This is difficult to answer without examining you.  However, if you abdomen looks the same as before, you probably did not do any significant damage to your plication.  As always, see your plastic surgeon for an exam.

Your pain is most likely associated with the work out.  If concerned, an exam by your doctor may reassure you.