Painful swelling in my abdomen and lower bak after Liposuction and abdominoplasty - 1 year post op. What can be causing this?

Question

Every morning I have pain and pressure in my abdomen and low back since my abdomnioplasty and liposuction procedure one year ago. My dr ordered a CT scan which didn’t show anything specific. The pain is releaved after urination and I lay back down but the symptoms come back. After I’m up for a while, the pain goes away but the next morning it the same painful feeling.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain and swelling in your abdomen and lower back after your liposuction and abdominoplasty procedure. It's important to understand that pain and swelling can be normal after surgery, but experiencing it a year post-op is concerning.

I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon as soon as possible. They may want to conduct further tests or imaging to determine the cause of your pain and pressure. It's possible that you may have developed a complication such as a seroma or hematoma that requires attention.

In the meantime, keeping track of your symptoms and any triggers that seem to worsen your pain may be helpful. You may also find relief through pain management techniques such as ice or heat therapy, massage, or over-the-counter pain medication.

I wish you the best of luck in finding relief from your symptoms and a speedy recovery. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your surgeon or healthcare provider for further guidance.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katze

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear pjbrealself,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

This pain may not be related to surgery, but you may have something with your back. I would start with your medical doctor and check you back.  Also, check your bladder. Your bladder should not have been affected with liposuction or the tummy tuck since it is deeper than the surgical area.  You also may need a new mattress, especially if you wake up with back pain which is relieved when you walk.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the discomfort you are experiencing.  It's difficult to tell what may be causing it.  Perhaps stretching exercises to help relax and lengthen the muscles may help.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some discomfort long-term after a tummy tuck is not uncommon.
Usually abnormalities are not found a radiographic evaluation and often no diagnosis is ever made.
Pain is not something plastic surgeons are trained to evaluate or treat other than immediate postoperative pain.
If pain is relieved by Micturition and then consider consulting with an urologist or potentially OB/GYN.
You may also want to consider consulting with a pain management specialist.
All of these evaluation‘s may lead to no diagnosis and no quality treatment options but would be appropriate next steps.
Having long-term pain after a tummy tuck does not indicate something was done wrong during the procedure.
The procedure is in itself invasive and causes major changes that can include discomfort especially with certain ranges of motion, numbness, stiffness or limitation in range of motion.
Chronic pain can be very frustrating and it’s ultimate management is often best done by a multi modal approach.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Your postoperative abdominal and back pain / swelling one year after abdominoplasty requires much more than a "sidewalk" consultation on the internet. Following surgery, there will initially be a degree of discomfort with performance of activities of daily living. It should abate within several months. It may require consultations with a urologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a gastroenterologist, or perhaps a physical therapist depending upon the results of an initial evaluation by your family physician. This is not the normal postoperative course of abdominoplasty and requires investigation.Best wishes...

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