Tummy tuck still sore 1 year post op. Should I be concerned?

Question

I had a tummy tuck a year ago and my stomach is still sore and it still hurts when I cough as if I just got my muscles tighten again. Is this normal? I had an ultrasound done, but they only saw scare tissue.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Some patients do experience pain in their abdomen, especially when using their abdominal muscles, for long periods after their Tummy Tuck.  This is also more likely if the muscle separation was sutured.  This suturing creates a scar which can be uncomfortable when it is pulled on or stretched.  Your ultrasound confirmed no other issue, so you may wish to consult with a Physical Therapist about different stretching exercises you could do.  Best wishes.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Your treating tummy tuck surgeon should examine you, especially because pain with coughing can come from several different layers. At one year, some tightness, scar sensitivity, nerve irritation, or discomfort around the muscle repair can still be felt in some patients, but persistent pain should not simply be dismissed without an exam.

An ultrasound showing only scar tissue is somewhat reassuring, but it may not answer everything, such as muscle repair tension, a small hernia, deeper scar tethering, or abdominal wall strain. If you have a new bulge, worsening pain, redness, drainage, fever, nausea, or pain that limits normal activity, you should be seen promptly. If the exam is reassuring, treatment may be conservative, such as time, scar massage when appropriate, physical therapy, or targeted pain management.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding a sore abdomen one year after a tummy tuck. It is not uncommon for muscle repair to hurt years after a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. During the standard abdominoplasty, this abdominal muscle is plicated or sutured together. This is done from typhoid to the pubic region. This leads to a nice flat belly for years to come. The trade-off is that occasionally you will have abdominal pain. The abdominal pain can be exacerbated by specific movements, wildly twisting, or bending. In addition, coughing or vomiting can induce abdominal pain. Since your ultrasound did not find a hernia, I do not think further workup is needed. You will have to become accustomed to the periodic pain. If the pain becomes unbearable, you may consult your plastic surgeon. It is possible that the internal muscle sutures must be released or loosened. Thank you for your question regarding continued abdominal pain one year after a tummy tuck.
If you have any more questions regarding reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss, please contact my office. Reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss include an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift, mastopexy, arm lift, brachioplasty, torsoplasty, back lift, buttock augmentation, and buttock lift.  Since these reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss,   are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 of each procedure you are considering for reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about recovery from a tummy tuck.

For specific questions like this and about your recovery in general, it is best to speak directly with your doctor or doctor’s representative – such as his or her nurse, or the physician on call for the practice.
You will likely get many differing opinions from members of the RealSelf Community, but they have not personally seen or examined you. Nobody should know you or your unique set of circumstances better than your doctor.

If you feel you are not being listened to or you are doubting your doctor’s recommendations, then it is certainly within your rights to seek a second opinion and get the advice from another board certified physician. This should be done through an in-person consultation with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your history, review of all prior treatment and with a physical examination.

Obviously, if you think that you are having a medical emergency or other serious problem, you should call 911 and/or go to your nearest emergency room.

Best Wishes.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Some patients may still experience some discomfort.  Many times I do find it is from some scar tissue build up.  I typically would recommend my patients to do some massaging in the area to help break it down and sometimes add in OTC Motrin/ Advil for a few days to see if that helps with the muscle soreness.  I would suggest seeing your Surgeon and following their recommendations.   Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear micolea,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Some occasional soreness does not sound like a big concern.  Some patients take longer than others to heal and it can be influenced by the degree of muscle repair that was done.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation as she/he is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

In response to your question, I do not think you should be overly concerned about your post-op pain. Every patient is different and their bodies heal and react differently to surgery. The scar tissue that has formed can be contributing to your issue as well. Give it some more time and see how it goes. If the pain worsens or does not improve in the next 3-6 months then I'd definitely go back to your surgeon.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Some patients have discomfort with certain activities for a long time after this procedure. it varies from person to person. There isn’t much plastic surgeons can do once the operation is finished.
My best recommendation is consider asking for a referral for physical therapy to do stretching exercises. sometimes repeated stretching though uncomfortable can improve the situation over time.
You can of course follow up with your provider which is most likely what most doctors will tell you on this forum.
Moderate discomfort during certain activities within the first year or two it’s probably fairly common.
Eventually most people simply get used to their new body changes and things usually settle down with enough time. eventually the body changes become the new normal and people get used to it.
It’s unlikely anything was done wrong or that there’s anything Abnormal with you. this is simply one of the things you have to deal with when you have a highly invasive major operation like a full tummy tuck.
It’s a big procedure and it comes with a big recovery.
Hope you feel better soon.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Tummy tuck still sore 1 year post op. Should I be concerned?

Answers (9)

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