I still have abdominal pain 5 years post tummy tuck, why?

Thank you for your question about persisting abdominal pain five years after a tummy tuck.
This is not a common outcome and could be due to several reasons. It's possible that the pain may be due to the muscle plication being too tight, suture tension, or scar tissue build-up. It might also be due to nerve entrapment or irritation, although this is less common.
While it's understandable you would want to avoid another surgery, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon could provide you with some options. This might involve ordering an MRI to get a clear picture of what's going on underneath the skin and muscle.
Massage and physical therapy might provide some relief, but if the pain is due to the reasons mentioned above, these measures may not be enough. Steroid injections could potentially help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain if it's caused by scar tissue, but these are often not permanent solutions.
If the pain is due to muscle plication being too tight, the most definitive treatment would likely be the surgical release of the tightened muscles. This, of course, would be a decision made after careful consultation with your surgeon.
I hope this gives you some insights into why you might be experiencing pain after your tummy tuck. Please reach out to a healthcare professional to discuss these options. Pain is not a typical long-term result of a tummy tuck; you shouldn't have to live with it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It is very unusual for a patient to experience pain and discomfort 5 years after their tummy tuck. It would be a good idea to see your surgeon for an assessment.

Thank you so much for your question. In your case I will recommend you to go for a physical consultation with your surgeon and get evaluations done, in this way you can have a proper answer to your question.
Best of luck
Dr. Quiroz

Thank you for your question. What you describe is most unexpected. I have no simple answers. Perhaps knowing exactly what was performed and a thorough understanding of where you started and how you are now could provide some clues. I would encourage you to return to your surgeon and see what they recommend. If you find their suggestions inadequate, I would seek a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. I wish you a satisfactory outcome.

Dear MamaKeyz,
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

I'm sorry to hear of the pain you are experiencing. This is not expected nor typical. I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation. Stretching exercises done consistently may help improve your discomfort.

I have answered others with a similar problem in the past. It is possible that during the muscle fascial plication (tightening) that nerves were gathered up in the sutures that were placed. If the sutures were of the permanent type, then the pain may be permanent. I have talked with a couple patients from around the world who have gone back and had the sutures removed with improvement. It really depends on your symptoms and whether you have generalized or very specific pain.

The feeling you describe "hot, tight, stretching" 5 years after tummy tuck is atypical.
Ask your surgeon if you had a rectus diastasis repair. This tightens the core and changes the way your trunk feels in certain positions but you usually get used to this and at 5 years it should not bother you.
Massages are unlikely to help 5 years after surgery and you do not necessarily need more surgery. I would suggest seeking a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to examine you in person as it is difficult to offer recommendations without performing a physical examination.

Long-term pain after a full tummy tuck is not that unusual.
For most patients pain and especially discomfort with certain activities or range of motion slowly improves. The process of getting accustomed to your new body including the changes and differences can take several years.
For some individuals there is simply new discomfort or limitations that will not have an explanation and will not go away.
There are a few things that should be assessed like how tight your abdominal wall is and if you have visceral fat with increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Individuals who have excess visceral fat after muscle tightening may have chronic increased intra-abdominal pressure that can contribute to long-term discomfort and can be relieved with weight loss.
Another thing to consider is if you regained your full range of motion after surgery. if not then consider working with physical therapy where they can set objective goals and see if doing stretching exercises may improve your situation.
Plastic surgeons tend to not be particularly helpful at answering questions or treating long-term discomfort after surgery.
You are certainly not alone though with the majority of patients eventually get used to their new body and don’t complain of long-term pain. Still, some do.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD