Should I still be in pain 6 weeks post a mommy makeover? (Photos)

Thanks for your inquiry, I am sorry for yuor struggles and I am glad you a surgeon who is regularly evaluating and treating you. It is hard to know with further details how long you will need pain medications.  Please ask your surgeon about the progress you are making.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your continued abdominal pain.  It would not be uncommon to still have some discomfort after your tummy tuck, especially with the repeated aspirations needed for your hematoma/seroma.  The amount of prescription pain medication you are using should have tapered since the first days after surgery and you should try to wean off of these and onto an NSAID to avoid the unnecessary side effects.  Your surgeon is best equipped to help you with this transition so voice your concerns at your next appointment.  Best wishes. 

Short answer: yes. It is normal to have discomfort still at 6 weeks. Especially the areas of liposuction and from the muscle plication. Many of my patients tell me they have sore muscles when they cough, sneeze or laugh long after the initial procedure. Eventually over the course of a year it should go away.  Hang in there! I know it is tough - I have had several of these procedures myself - and I know the recoveries can be tough...but eventually it gets better and you have a beautiful figure! At six weeks out you should not be on narcotic pain medication. Have you tried ibuprofen? Unfortunately this is not a 'pain free' process. You can also play with the recovery calculator on my website to see when you can expect to meet the recovery milestones. 

I'm sorry that you are having issues after your tummy tuck.  While most patients are no longer experiencing pain that requires narcotics six weeks after surgery, each case and each patient are different.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon so that you may be advised on your particular recovery progress and what to expect in the upcoming weeks.

Congratulations on having undergone the "mommy makeover" procedures. The recovery experience will vary from one patient to another but, generally speaking, the recovery experience associated with tummy tuck or mommy makeover surgery is often underestimated by patients. In other words, it is a significant operation associated with a significant recovery, both from the physical (and often) emotional standpoints.
Fluctuating levels of discomfort is quite common and may be related to several factors. I think you have a good understanding: increased discomfort may be related to overdoing activity or may be related to being stationary for too long.  Other factors that may be involved include  inadequate pain control medication levels.
 Ultimately, it will be important that you "listen to your body" and titrate your activity level as well as pain control efforts carefully.   You will need to achieve a balance between gradually increasing activity (I tell my patients it is similar to a "rehabilitation" after any type of trauma) versus overdoing activity and experiencing a setback of some kind.
 Your plastic surgeon should be your best resource when it comes to helping you titrate activity level; in my practice, at this point in your recovery, I would likely suggest that you try to get outdoors (with assistance), even for short periods of time. My patients find a use of a walker very helpful during the early postoperative days.
 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.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with long-term.

Thanks for the question and pics.  #Hematoma/seroma is a known complication of tummy tucks, however the frequent schedule of percutaneous aspiration (drainage) is appropriate, as well as both activity restriction (i.e. no vigorous exercise) as well as wearing compression garments is the recommended protocol.  Pain after extensive body contouring isn't unusual, however most PS prefer to wean patients off potentially addictive pain meds, as soon as possible.  Higher dose Motrin 800mg, such as that used by Obstetricians, may be useful.  Do ask your PS.  Good luck.

While some discomfort and pain are expected after undergoing a mommy makeover, significant pain six weeks post-surgery may warrant further evaluation. It's essential to keep in mind that individual recovery experiences can vary, and factors such as the extent of the procedures performed, individual pain tolerance, and adherence to postoperative care instructions can influence the recovery timeline.Here are some considerations:1. Follow-up with Your Surgeon: It's crucial to have regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon to assess your healing progress. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain, be sure to communicate this to your plastic surgeon during your follow-up visits.2. Individual Variability: Pain tolerance varies among individuals, and some people may recover more quickly than others. However, significant pain that persists beyond the expected recovery period should be addressed.3. Potential Causes of Pain: Postoperative pain can be influenced by factors such as swelling, tissue healing, muscle tension, and the specific procedures performed. Your plastic surgeon can provide insights into the potential causes of your pain and recommend appropriate interventions.4. Infection or Complications: In some cases, persistent pain may be a sign of an issue such as infection or other complications. If you notice any signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge) or have concerns about your recovery, contact your plastic surgeon promptly.5. Follow Postoperative Instructions: Ensure that you are following all postoperative care instructions provided by your surgical team. This may include recommendations for medication, activity restrictions, and proper wound care.If you are experiencing pain that is interfering with your daily activities or if you have any concerns about your recovery, don't hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon. They can assess your condition, provide guidance, and make any necessary adjustments to your postoperative care plan.Remember that open communication with your healthcare team is crucial during the recovery process, and addressing concerns promptly can contribute to a smoother and more comfortable healing experience.