10 weeks post op tummy tuck, feeling pain to the right of my belly button, is this normal?

Question

I’m ten weeks post-op hernia repair, diastasis recti repair and tummy tuck. For about three weeks now, I have been experiencing a pain to the right of my belly button. It’s not constant and usually only happens toward the evening... especially if I cough, laugh, sneeze or really engage my abdominals. Is this normal for this time period? I have a bit of swelling still that increases in late afternoon to evening as well, but nothing directly concentrated to the area in which I feel the pain.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your tummy tuck and hernia repair!  After 10 weeks it is common to still feel a mild discomfort around your belly button as this is the area of greatest muscle tightening.  It should, however, be improving slowly with time.  Inform your surgeon of your symptoms to ensure that you are followed closely.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

You need to discuss this with your surgeon. Your pain may be normal postop healing in the setting of a hernia repair (which often requires a few months before pain fully subsides). Swelling in the evening may also be reflective of normal healing as you increase activity but you should be examined by your surgeon to be sure.

10 weeks post op tummy tuck, feeling pain to the right of my belly button, is this normal?

Answers (2)