Could pulling & tightness 1.5 years after tummy tuck be internal scar tissue?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 1.5 years ago and 4 months ago I woke up and started having terrible pulling and tightness in my stomach. It’s bad all the time but especially when I stand. Nothing has come back on MRI, ultrasound or multiple Ct scans. Could this possibly be internal scar tissue between the two top skin layer and the muscle layer? Can it be cut out and if so, is there a chance it could come back? Thanks!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Many patients experience exactly what you feel and it’s probably pulling at the scar tissue. I recommend stretching exercises and massage to help loosen the scar tissue. It typically goes away with time.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether pulling and tightness 1.5 years after a tummy tuck is internal scar tissue. It is possible that the tightness and pulling you feel one and half years after a tummy tuck could be internal scar tissue; however, this is unlikely. Scar tissue is malleable. That means it's bendable and conforms to the stresses and strains of your body. That is why after a scar heals, it usually is not excessively tight and eventually relaxes. It is much more likely that the pulling and tightness you feel in your abdomen are due to the permanent sutures used to repair the six-pack muscle. Permanent sutures bring together the weakened abdominal muscle or rectus diastasis. These permanent sutures run from the bottom of your sternum to the top of your pubic region; I believe this is the tightness you feel. If the tightness is unbearable, you will need a revision tummy tuck. Please consult with your plastic surgeon. 
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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ananevasophia,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not state, but if you have had abdominal internal surgery, this could present with scar tissue. The tummy tuck would not scar internally.  You also may have some medical issues not related to your abdominoplasty.  You need to be evaluated.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description you could be experiencing pulling and tightness from scar tissue.  Regular stretching exercises as well as massage may be helpful.  Keep in mind that multiple sessions on a regular basis will be needed for improvement.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

If everything was fine for the first 18 months and you suddenly developed abdominal pain and it’s unlikely to be related to your operation.
If it was related to the tummy tuck it would’ve been happening gradually and been present all along gradually getting better.
There is no surgical treatment once you’ve had a tummy tuck.
It is very much a definitive irreversible operation.
There is no going back in and loosening scar tissue.
If tightness and scar tissue or lack of range of motion is the problem they consider asking for a referral to a physical therapist.
Otherwise I suggest working with the pain management doctor to get a most accurate diagnosis and work on ways to manage the discomfort.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Joshua Jacobson, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi. Yes the feeling you are having is most likely the scar tissue between your skin and muscle layer. You can try lymphatic massages. Usually the messages work best if done soon after surgery but you may still benefit from them.

Could pulling & tightness 1.5 years after tummy tuck be internal scar tissue?

Answers (7)

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