Tummy tuck 1 year post op - is this tightening sensation normal?

Question

Hi I'm concerned if my surgeon even did a tummy tuck on me. So I'm a year post op and my abdominal area still looks the same as when I went into surgery. I would like to know is this even normal after a year. I also have tightening sensation in that area when getting up from sitting down, getting up from laying on my back and even while walking normally.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

At one year after a tummy tuck, most swelling should have settled and the overall contour should be close to the final result. If your abdomen truly looks the same as before surgery, that is worth an in-person evaluation and a review of your operative report, preoperative photos, and postoperative photos. Sometimes the issue is residual skin, residual fat, untreated diastasis, visceral/internal abdominal fullness, weight change, or a procedure that was more limited than the patient expected.

A pulling or tightening sensation can persist for a long time after abdominoplasty, especially if muscle repair was performed or there is firm scar tissue. It should usually be gradually improving, not worsening. If you have increasing pain, a new bulge, vomiting, fever, redness, drainage, or difficulty walking upright, you should be examined promptly. Otherwise, a second opinion with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine whether the tightness is normal scar maturation, muscle repair tension, a hernia/diastasis issue, or whether revision surgery would be needed to improve the contour.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Fantastic302320,

Thank you for your question regarding your concerns one year post-op from a tummy tuck.

Understanding Post-Tummy Tuck Sensations:

Experiencing a tightening sensation after a tummy tuck is not uncommon, even a year post-op. This sensation can occur for several reasons:

Healing Process:

Healing from a tummy tuck can take a long time. Even at one year post-op, your body is still adjusting, and internal tissues are continuing to heal and settle.
Scar Tissue Formation:

The tightening sensation could be due to scar tissue that forms as part of the healing process. Scar tissue can sometimes feel tight or restrictive, especially when you move or stretch.
Muscle Repair:

If your surgeon performed muscle repair (common in tummy tucks), the tightening could be from the repaired muscles. Muscle plication (stitching the muscles together) can create a feeling of tightness, particularly when engaging your core muscles.
Evaluating the Results:

Appearance:
It's concerning that you feel your abdominal area looks the same as it did pre-surgery. A tummy tuck should result in a noticeable difference, including a flatter and more contoured abdomen.
Follow-Up with Your Surgeon:
If you have not already done so, I strongly recommend following up with your surgeon. They can evaluate your results and determine if everything healed as expected or if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
What You Can Do:

Physical Examination:

A physical examination by your surgeon is essential. They can assess the tightness and determine if it's normal healing, scar tissue, or something else.
Imaging:

Your surgeon might recommend imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) to get a better look at the internal structures and ensure everything is as it should be.
Massage and Physical Therapy:

Scar tissue massage or physical therapy can sometimes help reduce tightness and improve comfort. Your surgeon or a physical therapist can guide you on techniques.
Continued Monitoring:

Keep monitoring the area and note any changes. If the tightness worsens or if you experience pain, make sure to inform your surgeon.
Conclusion:

In summary, while a certain level of tightness can be normal even a year after a tummy tuck, the persistence of such sensations and your concerns about the results should be addressed by your surgeon. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend any necessary interventions.

Good luck, and I hope I’ve answered your question regarding the tightening sensation and concerns about your tummy tuck results one year post-op.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic302320,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

You should definitely talk to your plastic surgeon about your expectations of the lower abdominal correction.  It is normal for it to feel tight even after a year, especially if the surgeon did significant muscle tightening.  This sensation will usually go away over a longer time period.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos, so I cannot discuss your results. However, your surgeon tightened your abdominal wall which you can still feel. If you loose weight, it may feel less tight.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to comment on your results without an examination or before/after photos.  An occasional feeling of tightness in the abdomen is not uncommon.  It should not be severe nor should it worsen without cause.  Generally tightness improves over time.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

To make an assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgical procedure, we generally need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
Your surgeon is also the correct person to follow up with regarding concerns about your outcome.
Have you done that?
From what you explained, my best guess is you have excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
This is the number one reason for patients having bulging of their abdomen after a full tummy tuck.
It also creates a tight full feeling.
Individuals who have access visceral fat are not ideal candidates for a tummy tuck unless they lose weight first.
Without seeing before and after pictures we can’t understand for the procedure.
My best guess is you have excess visceral fat and weight loss is needed to get a better outcome.
Consider reposting it with the proper set of before and after pictures.
Follow up with your provider to see what he or she has to say.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Luis Ramon Sang Vargas, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If your abdominal area still having bulky area after a year is tummy tuck, you should possibly need a liposuction procedure to flatten your belly. Is necessary to see some picture to give an accurate answer.

Tummy tuck 1 year post op - is this tightening sensation normal?

Answers (8)

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