9 months ater tummy tuck with muscle repair- swelling after exercise

Question

I had a complete mommy make over 9 months ago( muscle repair included). I have achieved amazing results and have a flat stomach. I have now started exercising with a Persnal Trainer and have noticed swelling on the lower part of the abdomen- we are working the abs and core. Am I overdoing it? Isn't 9 months enough to heal completely? And is there a real benefit of working the abs and core, if the surgery gave me the aesthetic desired result? Thank you

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Unfortunately it is difficult to give you a good answer without being able to examine you. 9 months should be enough time for the body to heal. I would advise that you make an appointment with your plastic surgeon so he can examine you and maybe better determine what is going on. Some patients will complain of occasional swelling of the lower abdomen that comes and goes but if the swelling is not getting better or is getting worse then you should be seen. Ankur Mehta MD

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not unusual to have swelling in your tummy tuck area for a prolonged time especially after exercise.  This should resolve with time. You should continue to work your core since a strong core is critical to good health and fitness.  Hope this helps.

Pradeep S. Mohan, MD · Answer

Your situation is very similar to another patient of mine. She began exercising a little earlier than you, around 8 months. The only difference is that I also repaired an umbilical hernia. She had swelling with some abdominal discomfort. I believe she may have pulled or torn a few muscle fibers resulting in the swelling. The swelling and discomfort went away after a few days of rest. I asked her to slowly increase her exercise level after a month, which she did. She was doing well at her 10 month post-op visit but still gradually increasing her activity. I recently saw her at a 13 month follow-up visit and she was exercising (running and weight training-core muscles included) without difficulty and feels fine. The patient did benefit from exercise by having a stronger core and further abdominal definition.It would be good to check with your doctor. You could be overdoing it. The swelling should subside with rest but should be evaluated by a physician to make sure it is nothing else. You want to make sure the exercise is not causing further damage which can be detrimental to your health.I do believe that when the muscle is repaired or tightened, it can be irritated with stress within the first year and sometimes more. It can depend on different factors such as how strong the muscles were prior to surgery, how much you stress the muscles, for what length of time, how soon after surgery, and the degree of muscle tightening done. I hope this helps!

William A. Terranova, MD (retired) · Answer

You would have to be seen and examined to determine if this swelling is problematic or not.  I would, for now though, back off and see what happens.  I would agree with you--if you have already achieved the desired aesthetic result, the ab work is not really necessary.  And in your case may even be detrimental.  See your surgeon before you do more.  Good luck.

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