Is Tightness After Tummy Tuck Normal?

Hi-
Tightness at your stage is relatively par for the course, and is most likely due to the ongoing healing of the muscular repair (although this assumes you had muscle tightening performed).
The tight feeling you are experiencing usually begins to loosen up a bit after 2-3 months, but don't be surprised if you continue to feel an occasional pulling feeling with certain movements of your body for the first 6 or 7 months. This is caused by stretching of the scar tissue formed under your skin with these movements- it's nothing to be alarmed about, but I always prepare my patients for it so they aren't alarmed by the experience. Again, this assumes you had muscle tightening performed- ask your surgeon about the technique and whether this is normal for the type of surgery performed.
Hang in there- the recovery can be a bit difficult and lengthy, but I'm sure you'll love the new you in the mirror when it's over!
Happy Holidays!

Hello beaches2961,

Thank you for your question regarding tightness after tummy tuck surgery. Tightness in the abdominal area is a common and expected sensation following this procedure, especially considering that you underwent the surgery just five weeks ago.

The tightness you're experiencing is often a result of the muscles being tightened during the procedure, known as muscle plication. This tightening of the abdominal muscles is a key component of the tummy tuck surgery and is necessary for achieving a smoother and flatter abdominal contour. It's not uncommon for patients to feel discomfort and tightness in the weeks following surgery as the muscles adjust to their new position.

Wearing a compression garment is typically recommended post-operatively to help reduce swelling and provide support to the newly contoured area. However, if you're experiencing significant discomfort with your current garment, it may be worth discussing with your surgeon whether a less restrictive garment could provide adequate support while also improving your comfort.

As for your recovery progress, it's important to keep in mind that everyone heals at their own pace, and it's not unusual for recovery to be slower or more challenging for some individuals, especially considering the toll that major surgery can take on the body. I encourage you to continue following your surgeon's post-operative instructions, including any recommendations for activity restrictions, wound care, and follow-up appointments.

If tightness ever becomes unbearable, you must contact your plastic surgeon immediately. If tightness persists over the months and years, there could be a chance that your muscle plciation has been done too tight and you may need to have it loosened.

Since you submitted your question three years ago, I'm curious to know how you're doing now. If you'd like to provide an update on your recovery journey or if you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to share. Your experience may be helpful to others who are considering or recovering from similar procedures.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Dear BeachesYour recovery process is not abnormal. Everyone is different, but a few weeks of feeling tight is not unusual, and is expected after this procedure! At 5 weeks you should start expanding your activities, as movement will help stretch and remodel the scar. I would also suggest you stop wearing the binder. Seeing your surgeon would be a good idea.BestMatthew C Camp MD

Thanks for your question. Some degree of tightness is normal after tummy tuck, and this dissipates over the weeks and months following the procedure. The exact degree of tightness and rate of recovery varies a great deal by patient. Some patients find the abdominal garment to be very annoying, and others find that it makes them more comfortable. In short, there is a great deal of variability in the recovery process, and yours sounds well within the bounds of normal. Of course, if you have any concerns of an urgent problem, you should contact your surgeon.

Most patients will continue to have some tightness and a pulling feeling for 3-6 months after their surgery.  This is normal as that area has been tightened so much from surgery.  It will eventually get better over time.

Hello! Thank you for your question! I hope that these answers help! Tummy tuck is an excellent method for shaping the belly and create a flatter and sculpted abdomen after the procedure. Given your desires, I do believe that you would be an excellent candidate for this procedure in order to remove the excess skin/soft tissue of your lower abdomen and contour the areas of your belly. Also, abdominal wall tightening may optimize your result. Stretch marks to the level of your umbilicus will also be excised. I would highly recommend continued diet and exercise prior to any consideration for body contouring as getting down to your ideal weight prior to the procedure will certainly give you the best results. Also, a continued healthy and active lifestyle will be needed in order to maintain the benefits that the procedure has given to you. I typically recommend a 6 week period of no strenuous activity/vigorous exercise along with an abdominal binder for the same time period. It usually takes 6-12 weeks for full healing and swelling to subside before results final. Your description sounds typical after this procedure.  Best wishes!