How much pain to expect with my upcoming circumferential tummy tuck?

Question

I am wondering how much pain to expect with my upcoming circumferential tummy tuck? I have had 3 C-sections, a hysterectomy, a ventral hernia repair and a laparotomy in the past. The first C-section was the worst pain but after that I've always handled the pain just fine. Wondering if the pain is worse in comparison than these surgeries? Just looking for some idea of what to expect.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. As you can imagine, every patient will have a different experience when it comes to discomfort (and overall healing process) after tummy tuck surgery. Generally, most patients will report that the recovery process is similar to recovering after C-section. Anecdotally, when I have asked patients to compare, all have reported that the tummy tuck recovery is less painful than C-section recovery.  Generally speaking, tummy tuck is a significant operation associated with a significant recovery, both from the physical (and often) emotional standpoints.  It is not unusual for some patients to require several months before they regain preoperative strength/stamina/energy levels.   What I have observed  is that many patients are about 70 to 80% of their energy level at the 4 to 6 weeks post op period and may require 3 to 4 months before they are 100%.  Again, it is not unusual for patients to experience significant emotional "ups and downs" as well.
Therefore, I think it is best to prepare for a “recovery” of 4 weeks after tummy tuck surgery.   Most patients require at least 2 to 4 weeks off work, depending on their job requirements;  I also ask patients to have full-time help for at least one to two weeks after the procedure is performed. Of course, experiences will vary from one patient to another but (again) many patients do not return to full strength and stamina for several months after the procedure is performed. Descriptions of recovery times shorter than this, in my opinion, is over-promising.
  
 
I have attached some advice I provide to my patients prior to undergoing mommy makeover surgery:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and best wishes on your upcoming surgery.  Pain is variable between patients with most tolerating a belt lipectomy well.  You will need prescription pain medication for a number of days after the procedure but i would expect it to be similar to your c-section and ventral hernia repairs.  Hope this helps.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the decision to undergoing body contouring.  A body lift is certainly a considerable surgical procedure, but it is also mostly a subcutaneous operation, and surgery on skin and fat tends to be well tolerated.  The most uncomfortable part of the surgery is the muscle plication.  Patients who have had C-sections and laparotomies often report that a body lift is easier, as plication of the muscle is more benign that frankly cutting through the muscles.  Discuss with your surgeon their approach to pain relief prior to surgery.  They may use a pain pump, exparel, or have another regimen to ensure your comfort.  Know that your surgeon is dedicated to making the experience very tolerable, and the results are likely to justify any discomfort that you experience.  Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Your pain will likely be similar to your other surgeries. It is hard to predict exactly.  Good luck with your decision to move forward.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is a wonderful procedure that consists of 3 main elements:
Skin removalFat removalMuscle repairEvery individual has a different shape, so, every tummy tuck is customized for that person.  Based on the photos I would recommend an abdominoplasty removing not only abdominal skin and fat, but skin and fat in the hips and into the back.
An absolute game changer in the past 3 years is the use of Exparel during a tummy tuck.  This is a long acting local anesthetic that reduces the pain and discomfort for 3-4 days after a tummy tuck.  This has sped up recovery, decreased the use of narcotics and reduced complications. 
 Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to assure the best possible results.
Good Luck!

How much pain to expect with my upcoming circumferential tummy tuck?

Answers (6)

Answer: Circumferential tummy tuck

Answer: Circumferential tummy tuck

Answer: Pain after a tummy tuck

Answer: Pain after a tummy tuck

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How much pain to expect with my upcoming circumferential tummy tuck?

Answers (6)

Answer: Circumferential tummy tuck

Answer: Circumferential tummy tuck

Answer: Pain after a tummy tuck

Answer: Pain after a tummy tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.