Is it normal to have pain and muscle spasms after 4 week post abdominoplasty?

Question

Discomfort or sharp shooting pain when I get up or move a certain way. Feels tight and thick especially when I lay down. I haven’t lifted anything heavy. All I have done is baby myself and walk 5-10 min once or twice a week. I’m not sure if it’s cause I was reaching up or if I’m straining when I get in & out of seat or bed. I have never really had any help. I’m standing straight now. It’s all. I feel the more I stand straight, the more it’s hurts. What should I do, besides go running to see my doctor?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery and thank you for your question.  You are in the very early stages of recovery and soreness can last quite a bit after.  Everything that you have listed seems to be normal, but if you are concerned then I recommend that you speak to your surgeon and follow their recommendations.  Best of luck to you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The tightening of the muscles may play a role in the muscle spasms.  Muscle spasms can happen for many reasons.  There are multiple postoperative pain control options that exist and your surgeon should be able to keep your pain controlled.  I only tighten the abdominal wall to return it to an anatomic norm rather than tighten it as much as possible. This produces a functional result without producing prolonged discomfort.  The abdominal wall may need several months to get accustomed to the changes.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear you are still have discomfort and muscle spasms at this point of your healing process.  It is very common for patients to still have spasms and pain which should eventually go away.  I recommend to my patients to walk often to promote good circulation.  I generally recommend walking 5 minutes every 2 hours while awake starting the day after surgery.   By three weeks,  I allow them to actually start exercising, treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical . . .  Discuss your symptoms with your doctor who may prescribe muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medications to help you recover.  Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Friendly613,
some pain and discomfort can be expected after tummy tuck but there should be no major pain. I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after 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

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

What you are describing is not out of the norm for being 4 weeks out.  I would obviously see your surgeon to make sure you are headed in the right direction with your recovery.I generally ask my patients to refrain from any physical activity/exertion for the first 6 weeks.  After that they can resume full activity.There will be good days and bad days, and certainly by the end of the day, the lower abdominal area will be tight and swollen.  This will happen for the first 4-6 months until the lymphatic channels have regenerated to be able to remove the fluid consistently.Hope that helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is still typical to have some pain and occasional spasms 4 weeks post op.  Your body is healing which will take time.  You will not be able to see your final results for several months yet.  Until then continue to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon and discuss any concerns and questions.

David A. Robinson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Abdominal discomfort and muscle spasms are not unusual following an abdominoplasty. This is due to a combination of your muscles and skin being tightened (following the removal of your excess skin). Your spasms and abdominal skin tightness should continue to improve over the next several weeks. The symptoms you have described are not uncommon following an abdominoplasty.I would follow your surgeons postoperative instructions. If you do not experience any improvement in the next few weeks, I would recommend scheduling a visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.Good luck!

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is not unusual for one to describe the symptoms you describe at this stage and this should improve. I would see your PS for reassurance.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question! It is very normal to still have pain at 4 weeks. On average, you heal about 10% per month internally so you are not very healed yet. Everything is still working to get back together so the straighter you stand, the more tension you place on disrupted tissue. Give it time! Tummy tucks can take up to a year to completely heal.Best of luck!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.  It consists of 3 basic steps:
Skin removal and tighteningSubcutaneous fat removalMuscle tighteningThere are many different types of tummy tucks which are customized to each individual.   
The recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery.  The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over.  The second week the weight limitation is increased to 30 pounds and more normal walking.  After the second week many patients return to work if it is more sedentary, active work jobs and heavy lifting, pulling or straining are still difficult for another 2 weeks.  Most women need help with small children for the first week.
There has been a breakthrough in the technology of post op pain relief for tummy tucks.  A new medication is now being used that will provide for 3-4 days of post op pain relief, speeding up the recovery process!  It is called Exparel.
Vigorous physical activity and contact sports are limited for 4-6 weeks.  Everyone's recovery is different, and everyone's tummy tuck is different, the recovery time will vary from individual to individual.  What you describe sounds normal for 4 weeks after the procedure.
This is a wonderful operation that will make the tummy flat FOREVER, WITHOUT SIT-UPS!!  But, you have to be willing to trade the appearance for the scar, which is long, but well placed, and hidden in all clothing and bathing suits.  Your weight should be stable and finished with child bearing before undergoing this procedure.
Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in body contouring procedures to assure the best possible result. 
Good Luck!

Is it normal to have pain and muscle spasms after 4 week post abdominoplasty?

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