Can a tummy tuck muscle repair be too tight? What are the indicators that the muscle has been overcorrected.

After an abdominoplasty, it is normal to feel tight, but it is abnormal to have difficulty breathing. If the repair of the diastasis is too tight in the beginning, it may resolve on its own over time as swelling decreases. If the abdomen is still too tight after 6 weeks and if there is no improvement, the diastasis repair can be revised so that it is not too tight.

If your shortness of breath has persisted, you should be evaluated for the possibility of pulmonary emboli or blood clots in your lungs. Not to scare you, but this can be life threatening if more clots occur in the lungs. I would urgently discuss with your surgeon or primary care physician immediately.As long as your tests are negative, the tightness will resolve with time.

If your muscles were too tight, you would be very uncomfortable and have difficulty in anything other than a very bent over position.  Shortness of breath could be a complication from anesthesia or, worst case scenario, an indication of a pulmonary embolism. I would encourage you to reach out to your plastic surgeon. 

Very good question.  First, it would be nice to know how long ago your abdominoplasty procedure was performed.  Second, is the difficulty breathing without the garment on??  You should inform your Plastic Surgeon about the difficulty breathing.  Many times there may be tightness and mild difficulty breathing during the first few weeks.  Anything more than that should be immedicatly evaluated.  In rare instances, the muscle tightening may be released and resutured less aggressively.Hope this answers your question.  Best of luck.Dr. T