Are Random Sharp pains on side after tummy tuck normal?

Question

Are random sharp pains on my side after a tummy tuck normal? How long will this continue?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon after TT with muscle plication to have pains in the muscle or irritation of the muscle as the muscle goes through the repair stage and nerves regenerate.  These should lessen with time.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Episodic pains following a tummy tuck generally suggest that your nerves are regenerating in a normal manner.  This is common after this procedure and can begin as early as a few months following your procedure.  Keep in touch with your surgeon and let them know about this.  I hope that helps!-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Random sharp pains occurring in the postoperative period are extremely common. They can be present intermittently for months but decreasing in frequency over time. Ultimately, they will disappear and this is usually less than a year.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Bradley Remington, MD · Answer

For several months after a tummy tuck, most patients have "twinges", intermittent sharp pains, and "electric shock" type feelings.  These are normal in the early postoperative course and should be expected.  Also, the areas around the incision line and especially in the central lower abdomen will have sensation loss for typically several months with slow return of sensation to these areas.  You may also feel a "give" or "pop" with movement or twisting - this is also of no concern.  Areas may be desensitized with massage and local heat.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, it is not unusual for patients to report random "sharp pains" after tummy tuck surgery. Although recovery will vary from one patient to another, most patients no longer report this type of pain after the two month post mark. Best to follow up with your plastic surgeon for more specific assessment, advice, and (probably) meaningful reassurance. Best wishes.

Carmen C. Munteanu, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hello, congratulations on your achievement! If you are otherwise well, no significant pain and just some sharp pain occasionally it might be that your baseline pain needs more controlling- make sure you take panadol on a regular basis not only when you need it and take the prescribed medication for pain relief as prescribed, on top of it.
Also, sharp pains can be associated with too much movement, you are still at the beginning, take it easy, don't push yourself too hard.
Last reason could be some little nerve pain, with local bruising and swolling, in which case they will get less and less significant.
Take care!

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

It's not at all unusual to have random, sudden, fleeting sharp pains after tummy tuck.This represents the response of sensory nerves to surgery.Over weeks to months post-op,  the "zingers" will gradually go away.

Are Random Sharp pains on side after tummy tuck normal?

Answers (7)

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