Is it possible my surgeon removed too much skin during my Tummy tuck?

Question

I'm a healthy 28 year old female. I had a tummy tuck wih muscle repair along with liposuction to my belly and posterior hips, on 9/10. My stomach feels very tight still so much so that it is impossible to stand upright even a little. Right now the pain in my back from being so hunched over is what hurts the most. Is it possible that she removed too much skin during the procedure?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Feeling very tight and walking bent over is common for 1-3 weeks after Tummy Tuck. I recommend that you speak with your Plastic Surgeon about your individual surgery and their recommendations to help you heal more comfortably.All the best

Samuel Shatkin, Jr., MD · Answer

It is not unusual for a patient to feel excessively tight for a couple weeks after a tummy tuck.  Often it is from skin tightening, but patients also complain about tightness that stems from the internal muscle tightening that is done.  By remaining hunched over it relieves the tight pulling in the abdomen, and patients have less discomfort.  I recommend that my patients use there arms to move from the bed to the couch to the chair etc when they are in this flexed position.  Often the patients complain of more back discomfort than in the front because of this hunching over.  This should resolve, be patient.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Without examining you it is difficult to know for sure but it sounds like what you are experiencing is completely normal for post op day 5. Taking out too much skin is usually more associated with inability to close the skin at the time of your procedure or wound breakdown later. Give it another week or so and you should be able to stand upright again. Best of luck!

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Over-resection of skin usually is concerning when there are wound healing complications or issues with tissue necrosis, an inability to close the abdominal skin, etc. Some patients simply take longer to be able to fully stand place give it time! It can take up to one – two weeks to get in a more upright position.  I know it can be frustrating to be hunched over for so long, but in most cases, it will start to improve very shortly.  You may consider the use of muscle relaxers to help get through this time.Certainly, be in close contact with your surgeon. I wish you the best, Dr. Gabbay

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry that you are in such discomfort. At five days after surgery, your body will still be quite swollen and tight from surgery, making it difficult to stand fully up-right.  Given time, your abdominal muscles will relax, the swelling will resolve, and you will be able to stand fully up-right again.  Hang in there, you should see steady daily improvement from here on out.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. The sensations you describe are not at all unusual in the early post operative period. In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. The surgical areas will typically appear as swollen, "lumpy/bumpy", feel tender, tight, etc. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear as the swelling dissipates and the soft tissues soften. Be patient and continue in close follow up with your plastic surgeon, this will allow you and your surgeon to discuss your concerns and help allay any concerns you are experiencing. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It may be possible that your surgeon removed too much skin, but it is unlikely. Removal of excess skin as well as muscle repair can leave some patients feeling tight for some time after surgery. I prescribe a muscle relaxant, such as Valium, to my patients to help with this. Be patient, it is still early on after surgery. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

The symptoms you are describing are very common after a tummy tuck. They are usually due to pain rather than actual physical tightness. As time goes on you will be able to stand straighter and have much less discomfort doing so.The skin will also stretch out if it is very tight. The primary issue with too much skin being removed is wound healing and incision breakdown in the area below the belly button.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Although most can stand up by 5 days, not all can.  Is it possible too much skin was resected? yes, but likely--no. Without photos it is not really possible to offer specific advice, other than seeing your surgeon to review post op stretching exercises.All the best.

Is it possible my surgeon removed too much skin during my Tummy tuck?

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