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.

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.
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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.

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.

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

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Answer: Tummy Tuck post op concern

Answer: Tummy Tuck post op concern

Answer: Soreness after a tummy tuck

Answer: Soreness after a tummy tuck

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy Tuck post op concern

Answer: Tummy Tuck post op concern

Answer: Soreness after a tummy tuck

Answer: Soreness after a tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.