Pain after tummy tuck while running. I’m 8 weeks post-op from a fleur de lis TT with MR. (Photos)

Question

Cleared for crossfit at 6wpo. Today was a heavy running day. My upper abdomen started hurting while running so I stopped. It’s still hurting. This part of my abdomen has been “puffy” immediately after surgery. My lapband port is near this area. Could it be pain from scar tissue around my port? pictures show how much my stomach buldges around my rib cage. Some of it is fat, but I’m wondering if the pain in this area has anything to do with it buldging.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say what may be occurring without an exam.  It may be that you just overdid it with heavy running.  Even at eight weeks post op there is much that is still healing "behind the scenes".  I encourage you to rest and touch base with your surgeon.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear crossfit43204,Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has a different recovery protocol, so it is best to check with your surgeon. It does seem based on the photos that your body is still healing and some areas are still raw and leaking fluid. I would definitely hold off until everything has completely healed. I know it can be frustrating, but it really is the best thing to do to ensure you don't sustain any complications. Good luck.Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Although post operative instructions do vary from one plastic surgeon to another, my advice is not to perform designated core exercise for a full 3 months following a tummy tuck.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon regarding your exercise routine and reportable pain.  Good luck.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.    You still will swell and hurt with activity , it's not unusual.  I would wear your compression binder when active , it will help w the swelling and comfort.   By 4 months you shouldn't feel much discomfort when active.

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

When you undergo a muscle repair, sutures are placed in the fascia overlying the rectus muscles.  The fascia, or connective tissue encasing the muscle has many nerves.  Months after surgery, the muscles are knit together by scar.  But early on after surgery, the repair is held more by sutures than scar.  With activity, the sutures can make little tears in the fascia (think of a cheese wire) and these can be quite uncomfortable.  I would encourage you to be evaluated by your surgeon, but it is very likely your discomfort is attributable to activity and core muscle use.  You may want to concentrate more on working out your extremities until your results are more mature.

Pain after tummy tuck while running. I’m 8 weeks post-op from a fleur de lis TT with MR. (Photos)

Answers (5)