Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

Question

I had my tummy tuck with muscle repair 6 days ago. I expected to feel tightness after surgery after all my research. I've yet to have that feeling. I can stand straight. I walk hunched over because that is what I was advised to do for 2 weeks. My muscles were over 5 inches apart. Could he have not tightened them enough?

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Congratulations on your surgery. There is a long acting local anesthetic  called Exparel that a lot of plastic surgeons are using. This tremendously cuts down on pain and discomfort. I also use TissuGlue which also helps relieve some of the tension on the closure and seems to further minimize pain and discomfort. The TissuGlue also makes it possible to do a lot of tummy tucks without using a drain. If you are not having a lot of tightness, then that is a blessing. It's not likely that you were not adequately corrected; especially if you tummy is flat.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I'm glad you're feeling great after tummy tuck with muscle repair. What do you look like? are you flat. Photos would be helpful. Not all patients feel extremely tight, but you should ask your plastic surgeon about your situation. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although I understand your concerns,  it is not unusual for patients to have very different experiences after tummy tuck surgery.  In other words, I would not be concerned that you do not "feel tightness" after the procedure. Best to communicate your concerns/questions directly with your plastic surgeon,  who will be your best resource when it comes to specific thoughts, advice, and/or meaningful reassurance. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Most all patients do feel tightness following an abdominoplasty with a significant muscle repair. If you have the results that you wanted (so far) and the muscle was repaired, then you are fortunate not to have much discomfort. Of course, you may just want to share your experience with your surgeon for any input from his/her perspective.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon not feel tight. Everybody heal different. Please follow instructions from your PS and express your concern.

Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

Answers (7)

Answer: Concerned that is not feeling tightness of abdomen following tummy tuck with muscle repair

Answer: Concerned that is not feeling tightness of abdomen following tummy tuck with muscle repair

Answer: Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

Answer: Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

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Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

Answers (7)

Answer: Concerned that is not feeling tightness of abdomen following tummy tuck with muscle repair

Answer: Concerned that is not feeling tightness of abdomen following tummy tuck with muscle repair

Answer: Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

Answer: Is it normal to not feel any tightness after tummy tuck with muscle repair? I'm 6 days post op.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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