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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

It is not uncommon for patients to have weird new sensations especially pressure post abdominoplasty with plication of the muscles. 7 months is a long time, but some feelings may resolve over a year while other, are permanent.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

What you describe is not abnormal. It varies substantially from person to person and there are certain variables that can contribute.
The level of aggressiveness of the procedure can definitely influence how long it takes patients to recover and increase to that sense of tightness or potential discomfort with certain activities after surgery.
Feelings of discomfort or getting used to the new body can take over a year and then some.
Individuals with excess visceral fat evidence prior to surgery will have increased in trip domino pressure with a more intense sensation of tightness and feeling like there is no space left inside their abdomen. It may feel difficult to take a deep breath and feel like the abdomen is constantly tight.
Ideally people with visceral fat issues should have this brought up during preoperative consultations some patients are aware of their candidacy for the procedure and how visceral fat can affect their outcome. Decreasing visceral fat by weight loss can improve outcomes including physical sensations.
Sometimes stretching exercises can be helpful. And the end time usually makes everything better.
The importance of controlling obesity for individuals with excess visceral fat cannot be overstated.
Without pictures we can’t make an individual assessment. Follow up with your provider or schedule in person consultations for a proper second opinion input.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD