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.

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.

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

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Pain and muscle spasms 4 weeks post abdominoplasty

Answer: Pain and muscle spasms 4 weeks post abdominoplasty

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Pain and muscle spasms 4 weeks post abdominoplasty

Answer: Pain and muscle spasms 4 weeks post abdominoplasty

Answer: Pain

Answer: Pain

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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.