3 weeks post op, upper back & chest pain; is this normal? (Photo)

Your symptoms are normal at this point but I do believe you are over-exerting yourself at this point.  I advise all of my patients to take it easy for at least 2-3 weeks.  They are not permitted to sleep on their sides until the 3 week mark and they are not permitted to lift anything over 5 lbs until the two week mark and nothing over 15 lbs until the three week mark.   I do believe your pain is from too much activity too soon, but my recommendation is to consult your board certified plastic surgeon and follow the instructions they advise you to as each surgeon has their own protocol for recovery!

From your description the soreness is likely your body's way of letting you know you're doing too much and need to slow down a bit. Compression is helpful when you're active to give support as you continue to heal. It's always best to speak with your surgeon just to rule out any concerns.

Pain varies per person and medication to control #discomfort will be provided. Healing will continue for 2-3 months for the early period. This includes some swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences. Sensation in the breasts may also be abnormal and scars will be evolve. Tingling, burning or shooting pains in the breasts will disappear with time and should not alarm you. It is simply a result of the regeneration of your sensory nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage per your surgeon's permission may help.

Healing after a  #tummytuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks.As I advise my patients, if your work keeps you sedentary, you may return whenever you feel up to it. If your work is strenuous, wait until your work activity does not cause any superficial pain. Some employers will modify a person’s job duties so they can back sooner, but without physical activity. Our office can provide our patients with a note stating they are not to engage in strenuous activity for a specified period of time. The note will not disclose what procedure they have underwent. Therefore, you may have to request a similar note from your surgeon if you are not independently employed. I recommend avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous #activity for six weeks following your surgery. With that said, it may help you plan your return to work accordingly.

As for heavy lifting and other #strenuous #activities, it should be avoided for until you have clearance from your surgeon. You may, however, do normal activities at any time if they cause no pain or #discomfort. Let your body tell you what you can or cannot do. Aerobic exercise will raise your blood pressure, which could cause late bleeding and harm your result. Once you begin exercising again, start gently and let your body tell you what it can tolerate. Don’t rush!!  If you have concerns about your healing, or pain that you question to be unusual, it is important to call your plastic surgeon to discuss these further asked to be examined.

I think the problem may be that you are overdoing it and your body is reacting accordingly. Try scaling things back a bit -- being very careful not to lift anything over 5 lbs. Resting a lot. Eating well. Drinking lots of water. Things should improve. Definitely share you concerns with your surgeon. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Thank you for your question regarding recovery from a 'Mommy Makeover'. Your symptoms are completely normal  for 3 weeks post-op. Following surgery, you will be weaker than you were before. It will take some time to regain your strength and it is important not to overdo it. If you are having symptoms, I think you should consider working less and cutting back on the house chores. You should not be lifting anything over 10 pounds for the first 3-4 weeks. Please follow up with your plastic surgeon and adhere to his restrictions.  Your results look good so far!

Remember that she had a sizable amount of surgery and three weeks is fairly early into the healing regimen. You will not to damage to the operation by the activities that you are presently engaged in but recovery from the activities of the day will be much more difficult for a while.