I feel like I’m always pulling my upper ab muscles when I go to sit or stand. Will I ruin the TT? I’m 3 days post op.

Question

I feel like I’m always pulling my upper ab muscles when i go to sit or stand. Will i ruin the TT? I’m 3 days post op of TT, MR and Lipi

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. At 3 days you should not be standing up straight. Having the sensation of pulling your muscles is normal at 3 days post op. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry,  it is impossible to address your particular concern without an exam, but it is not uncommon to feel some pulling sensation after a tummy tuck.  Please review with your surgeon your activity level, restrictions, and posture, good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fitmom99,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a tummy tuck surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your discomfort.  It is very common to have a "pulling" sensation in your upper ab muscles in the first few weeks to months after a tummy tuck and it is unlikely that you will ruin your results.  There are methods to get in and out of beds/chairs that can minimize strain on your muscles so be sure to contact your surgeon's office to discuss.  Hope this helps.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I appreciate your questions very much. It is common to experience this kind of pain and tearing sensation in the first week, even when everything inside is healing fine. I suggest you get  a little more help when getting in/out of bed or chair to limit this discomfort. Always talk to your plastic surgeon about concerns like this as soon as you can.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is normal to feel tightness at three days post op when standing or sitting.  Be careful.  You are healing and need to be cautious, however you should only need to be slightly hunched for a couple of weeks.  Be sure to closely follow your surgeon's post op instructions.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to have that pulling sensation at this stage after TT. You will not cause any damage, but your muscles gradually relax and get better. Please follow instructions from your PS.

Michael J. Denk, MD, FACS · Answer

You will not ruin your results. Patients may experience a pulling feeling for several weeks after an abdominoplasty. The tightening or plication of your abdominal muscles is an important component of an abdominoplasty or TT, and is the cause of your discomfort. Rest assured that this feeling will not last. Best of luck.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
As the rectus abdominal muscles were sutured back together during abdominoplasty, using those muscles will be uncomfortable for several weeks.  Obey the pain! If it hurts, don't do it! Use your upper extremities to assist with sitting and standing activity. This short term discomfort will give way to long lasting satisfaction. 
Best wishes...

I feel like I’m always pulling my upper ab muscles when I go to sit or stand. Will I ruin the TT? I’m 3 days post op.

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