Recovery after tummy tuck - is it normal to feel so much tightness and pressure at 7 months post-op?

Question

I had a tummy tuck in March 3rd 2022 45 years old with 3 children. I am now 7 months post op and still feel tightness sensation on and off. It’s hard to real describe the feeling. It’s like in my lower abdominal area it gets tight and has pressure. Almost like I’m pushing my stomach out as far as I can and I’m going to just bust open. Is this normal? I know everyone experience is different but need some reassurance.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about the recovery process following your tummy tuck procedure. As a plastic surgeon, I can assure you that it is entirely normal to experience sensations of tightness and pressure in the lower abdominal area even seven months post-op. It is not uncommon to feel these sensations as your body continues to heal and adjust to the changes from the procedure.

Tummy tuck surgery involves tightening of the abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin and fat, which can cause sensations of tightness, discomfort, and pressure. It is important to note that the level of discomfort and recovery time varies from person to person, and it is not uncommon for some patients to experience tightness for up to a year after their procedure.

That being said, I recommend that you follow up with your surgeon for a physical examination to ensure that everything is healing properly. Your surgeon can evaluate your condition and provide any necessary reassurance or adjustments to your post-operative care plan. In the meantime, it may be helpful to continue to wear a compression garment, engage in light physical activity, and maintain a healthy diet to support the healing process.

I wish you a successful recovery, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further concerns or questions.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Some occasional tightness of your abdomen is normal even at seven months post op.  You are far along in your healing, but some patients just take a little more time than others depending on the extent of the correction done.  If it becomes frequent or the pain increases I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You may want to go back to your plastic surgeon and talk to them about your concern. It is possible if aggressive muscle repair was completed and perhaps if you are starting to not use the abdominal binder you will experience a stretching of tight areas and pressure. However again since I was not the surgeon, I can not tell you what is considered normal or not.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Santana8801,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your muscles were tightened which will minimize the amount of movement your abdominal wall can do. If you have gained weight, then loose the excess to give you more room.

Recovery after tummy tuck - is it normal to feel so much tightness and pressure at 7 months post-op?

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Recovery after tummy tuck - is it normal to feel so much tightness and pressure at 7 months post-op?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

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Answer: Abdomen

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.