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

Question

I understood the first two years were going to be all about healing, it's a big surgery. But five years out, I have pain, swelling, and a tightness any time I do anything that involves using my core. (I moved boxes of paper yesterday). I immediately felt the hot, tight, stretching pain in my abdomen. What can I do to help this? Does massage help? I'm apprehensive about more surgery. This keeps me from meaningful physical activity. Pain scale is 4-7.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

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.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

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

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

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.

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