Does the extended tummy tuck (flanks and lower back) and chest lift produce as much tightness as a conventional tummy tuck?

Question

So i've had the tummy tuck done about 15 months ago and i have very high level of tightness in my abdomen since then that i can't get rid of. My question is, does the excess skin removal surgery of the other parts like flanks and lower back (and also chest lift) produce as much tightness as the conventional tummy tuck? Are there as many nerves in these areas (if thats the reason for this crazy tigthness that i am feeling in the abdomen). Please provide as much information as possible.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of tightness and discomfort after the procedure, which can persist for several months as the body heals.

The level of tightness that you're experiencing in your abdomen may be due to the fact that the muscles were tightened during the tummy tuck surgery. This can cause a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the abdominal area that may persist even after the initial recovery period.

When it comes to excess skin removal surgeries in other areas such as the flanks, lower back, or chest, the level of tightness may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the amount of tissue that is removed. Like with a tummy tuck, there may be some level of tightness or discomfort during the recovery period, but the severity and duration may be different.

In terms of nerves, there are nerves throughout the body, and all surgeries involve some degree of nerve disruption. However, the extent of nerve damage or disruption may vary depending on the type and location of the surgery.

It's important to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon, who can evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. They may suggest non-surgical treatments to alleviate any discomfort or recommend revision surgery to address any issues that are causing persistent tightness in the abdominal area or other areas of the body.

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding the tightness and discomfort you are experiencing after your tummy tuck procedure with liposuction.

It's not uncommon for patients to experience a certain degree of tightness and numbness after this type of procedure, and this can persist for several months or even up to a year or more. However, in some cases, patients may continue to experience these sensations even beyond the typical healing period.

While it is difficult to determine the exact cause of your discomfort without an in-person evaluation, it's possible that you may be experiencing some residual swelling or inflammation that is contributing to the tightness you are feeling. In some cases, additional liposuction or revision surgery may be necessary to address these concerns.

I would highly recommend that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action. Your surgeon may also recommend additional treatments or therapies to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall results.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in your continued recovery and healing process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mirakuruyall,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Tightness that persists beyond 3-6 months after standard abdominoplasty is usually due to recuts plication and/or oblique muscle fascia plication.  Most abdominal skin gradually stretches to relieve the symptoms of skin tightness.

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

With a tummy tuck, skin is being removed and the muscle is being tightened with plication sutures.  With other excess skin removal surgeries (flanks, chest, lower back/lower body lift), the superficial fascia is often sutured to take tension off the skin but not muscle tightening like during an abdominoplasty.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The feeling of tightness that you are experiencing could be related to the amount of skin that was removed, the degree of muscle tightening performed, or a combination of both.  A standard tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck vary by the length of the long horizontal incision.  The length is determined by the amount of skin that needs to be addressed in order for the resulting contour to be smooth.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  You my benefit from gentle stretching exercises to help alleviate the tightness.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Generally, any tuck procedure causes some level of tightness for a month or two.  We, as plastic surgeons, pull the skin tight because we expect a degree of relaxation.   If you are lingering still from your tummy tuck, massaging and careful stretching helps significantly.

Does the extended tummy tuck (flanks and lower back) and chest lift produce as much tightness as a conventional tummy tuck?

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