Will the pain be tolerable after a tummy tuck?

Question

I have had a breast lift with argumentation. The pain was very tolerable and I was off pain meds by day 2. Will the recovery be just as easy from a tummy tuck with lipo since this surgery doesn’t cut through muscles?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

While every individual's experience with surgery and recovery can differ, it's possible that your recovery from a tummy tuck with liposuction might be comparable to your previous breast lift with augmentation. The fact that tummy tuck with liposuction doesn't involve cutting through muscles might contribute to a potentially smoother recovery in terms of muscle discomfort.

However, it's important to note that a tummy tuck is a more extensive procedure than a breast lift with augmentation, involving the abdominal area and potentially impacting mobility more. Factors like your overall health, pain tolerance, surgical technique, and your body's response to surgery can also influence the recovery process. It's best to consult with your surgeon about your expectations and concerns to get a better idea of what to expect during your recovery period.

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Curious468. Thank you for your question regarding pain tolerance after a tummy tuck.

The pain experienced after a tummy tuck can be quite different from that of a breast lift with augmentation. While a breast lift primarily involves skin and breast tissue, a tummy tuck often includes muscle repair, which can cause more discomfort. During a tummy tuck, the rectus abdominis muscles are typically tightened, which can lead to significant muscle pain and tightness. This pain is usually more intense than what is experienced after a breast lift, where no muscles are cut.

Additionally, the liposuction performed during a tummy tuck can add to the overall discomfort due to the removal of fat from the abdominal area. While pain tolerance varies from person to person, it is important to be prepared for a potentially more challenging recovery period compared to your breast lift.

Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medications to manage the discomfort, and it's crucial to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. With proper pain management and support, you should be able to handle the recovery process. If you have any concerns about pain or recovery, discuss them with your plastic surgeon to ensure you are well-prepared.

Good luck with your surgery, and I hope you have a smooth recovery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question! An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) includes liposuction of the abdomen as well as muscle repair of your diastasis recti. The pain post-op and during your recovery is usually worse for an abdominoplasty than it is for breast procedures. You'll be prescribed pain medications for after surgery as well as a muscle relaxer since there will be sutures through your abdominal muscles. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Max Polo, MD · Answer

When a tummy tuck includes muscle plication or repair of the rectus diastasis it is more painful than a simple skin excision procedure. Dr. Polo does a "Painless Drainless Tummy Tuck". He places two small catheters through the skin and beneath the two layers of muscle sutures. The two catheters attach to an On-Q pump filled with local anesthesia which automatically drips into the site, making the patient more comfortable.

Aaron Gilson, DO · Answer

I'm glad to hear that your recovery from breast lift with augmentation was smooth and manageable. When considering a tummy tuck with liposuction, it's important to understand that the recovery experience can vary significantly from person to person and also differs from one type of surgery to another.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) combined with liposuction is generally more involved than a breast lift with augmentation. This is because a tummy tuck often includes tightening of the abdominal muscles, removal of excess skin, and potentially repositioning of the navel, in addition to the fat removal that liposuction provides. Although the surgery doesn’t typically involve cutting through muscles, it does involve extensive manipulation of the abdominal area.
Recovery from a tummy tuck with liposuction can be more challenging compared to breast surgeries. You might experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort that can last several weeks. It's important to follow post-operative instructions closely, which often include limitations on physical activity, wearing a compression garment, and attending follow-up appointments.
Pain tolerance and recovery speed are highly individual, so while your positive experience with breast surgery recovery is encouraging, it's not a guarantee that the tummy tuck recovery will be equally easy. It's always wise to prepare for a more involved recovery process, just in case.
Discussing your concerns and expectations with your plastic surgeon will provide you with the most personalized and accurate information. They can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your health, previous surgeries, and the specifics of the planned tummy tuck and liposuction.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Pain tolerance can vary from person to person, and individual experiences with pain after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can differ. It's important to understand that a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, as well as muscle tightening. As with any surgery, discomfort and pain are to be expected, especially during the initial recovery period.

Here are some factors that can influence the postoperative pain experience:

Individual Pain Threshold:

Everyone has a different pain threshold, and what one person finds tolerable, another may find more challenging. Factors such as genetics, personal pain tolerance, and previous experiences with surgery can contribute to individual variations in pain perception.
Surgical Technique:

The extent and complexity of the tummy tuck procedure can influence the level of postoperative discomfort. For example, a full tummy tuck involving muscle tightening may result in more discomfort compared to a mini tummy tuck.
Pain Management Plan:

Surgeons typically prescribe pain medications to manage postoperative pain. Following the prescribed pain management plan is crucial for maintaining comfort during the initial recovery period. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be recommended.
Patient Compliance:

Adhering to postoperative care instructions, including limiting physical activity and avoiding certain movements, is essential for minimizing pain and supporting the healing process.
Recovery Process:

Pain and discomfort are often most significant in the first few days after surgery and gradually improve as the days and weeks pass. Patients typically experience the most discomfort during movements that engage the abdominal muscles.
Swelling and Bruising:

Swelling and bruising are common after a tummy tuck and can contribute to discomfort. Elevating the legs and using cold compresses as recommended by the surgeon can help manage these symptoms.
It's important to communicate openly with your surgeon about your pain experience. They can provide guidance on pain management, adjust medications if needed, and offer support throughout the recovery process.

While pain is a normal part of the postoperative period, it is generally temporary, and most patients find that it becomes more manageable as they progress through the recovery stages. Always follow your surgeon's instructions for optimal pain management and overall recovery.

Charles Chalekson, MD · Answer

Dear Curious468!
Tummy tucks are generally more painful than breast surgery, but everyone's pain tolerance is different. Expect a few days of pain medication, but even if it does not hurt, the important thing is to take adequate time to recover regardless. We tell our patients to expect to need a full two weeks for serious recovery and then still take it easy the third week. After that, resuming easy activities carefully is generally permitted. Follow your surgeon's instructions on after care and resuming activities, contact your surgeon with any issues, and don't do too much too soon. The recovery period will be over faster if you recover carefully.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

hello,
If you are concerned with pain following a Tummy Tuck, you should ask for either 1) Exparel injection 2) pain pump.
Either one of these will greatly reduce your pain post operatively. Neither one of these are narcotics, so they will simply augment the pain relief you get from the pain pills.  If you are having a full blown Tummy Tuck,  please note that they should be addressing the muscle. The rectus diastasis muscle will be sutured closed.  Closure of this muscle is painful in the immediate post op period if you don't  have any pain control such as Exparel.

Good luck !

Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Curious468,
pain levels can be significantly reduced with proper preoperative and postoperative planning. You should expect similar pain levels after tummy tuck. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Curious468,
Pain control after plastic surgery, including tummy tuck, is an excellent topic. While patients experience pain differently, that you have had a breast lift and augmentation with minimal pain suggest you will do well after a tummy tuck.
From the perspective of pain control, many surgeons utilize an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, which prioritizes nonnarcotic pain medicines. In general, this protocol would start Tylenol and gabapentin, a nerve blocking pain medicine, prior to surgery. In the operating room for tummy tuck, a 72 hour local anesthetic (liposomal bupivicaine, or Exparel), can be used. After surgery the nonnarcotic combination of Tylenol, gabapentin, Exparel, and Aleve can minimize but likely not eliminate your use of narcotic pain medicines.
I would suggest discussing the postoperative pain control regimen with your board-certified plastic surgeon.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

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