Is this right side pain 6 months after tummy tuck normal?

Thank you for your question regarding right-side pain six months after your extended tummy tuck. Experiencing nerve pain and discomfort in specific areas post-surgery is not uncommon, especially during the healing process. Here’s some insight into what might be causing your symptoms and what you can do about them.

Nerve Pain and Healing:
During a tummy tuck, nerves in the abdominal area are often stretched, cut, or repositioned. As these nerves regenerate, some patients experience tingling, sharp sensations, or pain. This is typically temporary and can last for months as the nerves heal. The fact that your pain subsides with full compression suggests that external support helps stabilize the area, potentially reducing nerve irritation.

Residual Fat and Contouring:
It's possible there may be slight asymmetry or residual fat in the area where you feel discomfort. Swelling or scar tissue can also make this area appear or feel fuller. If you suspect residual fat, consult your surgeon about the possibility of revision liposuction once healing is complete.

Compression and Pain Management:
The pain returning when wearing lighter compression, like a tank top, could be due to insufficient support. Some patients find that targeted compression garments or wraps provide better relief. However, it’s essential to follow your surgeon's instructions closely and let them know about any persistent pain.

When to Seek Further Evaluation:
While this type of discomfort can be part of normal healing, it’s important to ensure there are no underlying issues such as:

Nerve entrapment: Sometimes, nerves can become compressed by scar tissue or sutures.
Seroma or fluid collection: This can cause pressure and discomfort in localized areas.
Hernia or muscle repair issues: Although less likely, it’s good to rule out any complications.
Your surgeon may recommend imaging studies like an ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the area if the pain persists or worsens.

Next Steps:
Continue wearing compression garments as advised, and avoid activities that may strain the area. Keep in close communication with your surgeon about your symptoms, as they can provide tailored recommendations and reassurance.

You’re still within the healing window for a tummy tuck, and your pain may resolve completely in the coming months. I hope this helps answer your concerns, and I wish you continued progress in your recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hello and thank you for posting. It does sound like nerve pain and this can be caused by swelling. It may be normal as it can take longer for some patients to get rid of swelling. I would recommend easing of the compression garments and massaging the with your hands or maybe even a massage machine on a very light setting as much as possible. Exercise and especially core exercise is essential to avoid muscle and lymphatic system atrophy do to too much compression!
I believe 6 moths is too much time with a faja or any sort of compression. I believe patients should ease off the faja after about 45-60 days and wear it less and less every day until they only wear it for specific and sporadic occasions. This allows the lymphatic system to do its job naturally and it avoids muscle atrophy.
Excessive compression, be it too tight or too often, may lead to discomfort and pain and muscle atrophy So the abdominal muscles may be repaired but they might eventually atrophy due to the compresión garment doing all the work. This may translate into a loose muscle repair and a pop belly.
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Thank you for your question. Sometimes you can develop some scar tissue in the area which can be painful. Most patients would need to have some additional liposuction in the mid section after the tummy tuck because we have to be careful on how much we remove at the same time as a tummy tuck. I would suggest following up with your Surgeon to be evaluated and discuss your options and most importantly just make sure everything is ok. Best of luck to you.

Dear Generous321723,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is not typical to still be needing to wear compression daily to address pain six months after surgery. I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss your discomfort and what may be causing the issues. If it is nerve pain, there are medications that may be able to help.

No, having pain at 6 months is not normal. You might have a small sensory nerve trapped in scar tissue. Your surgeon could try injecting it with a local anesthetic to see if that pain subsides. If it does, but then reoccurs, your surgeon can send you to a pain clinic for more treatment, or try oral medication like Neurontin.

A lot of people have certain sensations of discomfort, tightness or discomfort with movement after this major operation.
It can take longer than people think to heal and get a custom to all the changes. For some people it takes a few years.
For some people right sided abdominal pain can also indicate gastrointestinal issues such as gallstones, heartburn or appendicitis.
There’s not a lot a plastic surgeon can do for having discomfort after a major surgical procedure. If the pain bothers you enough that you want intervention you’re probably better off seeking the input of a pain management specialist.
In regards to your outcome you didn’t include pictures so we can’t make an assessment. For that I suggest you discuss it with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD