What are some reasons for getting muscle spasms 1 year post-op tummy tuck?

Question

I read that it is not normal to have abdominal muscle spasms when you’re over one year post op , but what are some reasons you could be having muscle spasms i get them sometimes when I sit up or laugh too hard .

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not uncommon for patients to experience muscle spasms following a tummy tuck procedure, particularly in the first few months during the healing process. However, it's less common for these spasms to persist beyond a year post-op. There could be several reasons for the spasms you're experiencing.

One potential cause of muscle spasms is related to the muscle plication performed during the tummy tuck. When the muscles are sutured together, they can sometimes misfire, causing spasms. Another possible explanation is the presence of scar tissue, which can lead to discomfort and spasms as it forms and matures.

It's essential to consult with your surgeon or another medical professional to discuss your specific situation and receive a proper evaluation. They will be able to provide tailored advice and, if necessary, recommend appropriate treatments to help alleviate the spasms.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in resolving this issue.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Occasional abdominal muscle spasms one year after a tummy tuck can happen, especially after muscle repair, but they should be discussed with your surgeon if they are new, increasing, painful, or limiting activity. Sitting up or laughing strongly activates the repaired abdominal wall, so the sensation may come from muscle tightening, scar tissue sensitivity, core weakness, nerve irritation, or tension around the repair.

Other non-surgical factors can also contribute, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, intense exercise, back or hip mechanics, or medications. A physical exam is needed to check whether the repair feels intact, whether there is a small hernia or bulge, and whether the spasm is muscular versus nerve-related.

If the episodes are mild and infrequent, your surgeon may suggest stretching, gradual core conditioning, massage, physical therapy, hydration, or checking labs through your primary doctor. If you have severe pain, a new bulge, fever, redness, vomiting, increasing swelling, or pain that does not settle, seek prompt medical evaluation rather than assuming it is normal healing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear natasiastewart ,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Muscle spasms in the abdominal area can have several potential causes, even if you are more than a year post-op from a surgery. Some of the common causes include:

Dehydration: When you are dehydrated, your muscles may not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, which can lead to muscle spasms.
Electrolyte imbalance: Abnormal levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium can cause muscle spasms.
Overuse or strain: If you have been engaging in activities that involve your abdominal muscles, such as exercise, heavy lifting, or repetitive movements, you may experience muscle spasms as a result of overuse or strain.
Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension and spasms in the abdominal area.
Nerve damage: Nerve damage or irritation can also cause muscle spasms. This may be related to your previous surgery, or it could be due to other underlying medical conditions.
It's important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your muscle spasms. They may recommend further tests or evaluations, such as blood work or imaging studies, to help identify the cause of your symptoms. In the meantime, you can try to prevent muscle spasms by staying well hydrated, maintaining good nutrition, and avoiding activities that put strain on your abdominal muscles. Your doctor may also recommend medications or physical therapy to help alleviate your symptoms.

Best of luck  !

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

If you're experiencing muscle spasms or any other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.
1.) Nerve Regeneration: Nerves can be affected during surgery, and it's possible that as nerves regenerate and heal, you might experience muscle spasms or other sensations.
2.) Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue can form around the surgical site as part of the healing process. This scar tissue might irritate nearby muscles, nerves, or tissues, potentially leading to muscle spasms.
3.) Muscle Tightening: During a tummy tuck surgery, the abdominal muscles are often tightened. This change in muscle tension could potentially cause spasms as the muscles adjust to their new configuration.
4.) Muscle Imbalance: Surgery can lead to changes in muscle balance and alignment, which might cause certain muscles to compensate for others. This could trigger spasms as muscles work to stabilize the area.
5.) Inflammation and Healing: The body's natural inflammatory response during the healing process can sometimes lead to muscle spasms. Inflammation can affect nerves and muscles, causing sensations like spasms.
6.) Activity Level: Depending on your post-operative activity level and exercises, certain muscle groups might be overused or strained, leading to spasms.
7.) Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: Dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium can contribute to muscle spasms. These imbalances might be more likely to occur during the recovery phase, affecting muscle function.
8.) Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to muscle tension and potential spasms.
9.) Medications: Some medications, such as muscle relaxants, pain relievers, or even certain anesthesia agents, can affect muscle function and potentially lead to spasms.
It's crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider about any symptoms you're experiencing, including muscle spasms, to ensure you receive appropriate guidance and care. They can evaluate your individual situation and provide advice tailored to your needs. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your mid muscle was tightened and you now have scar tissue in that area. If you over exert that area, you could have spasms. Massage might help loosen some scar tissue.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Occasional spasms would not be of great concern.  They can occur for many reasons.  They can be experienced after a stressful workout, as a result of dehydration, or after injury to name a few.  If they are bothersome or worsen you may want to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You are correct that having muscle spasms of your abdominal muscles is not a common outcome from a tummy tuck surgery. Im not certain if this is related to your procedure. It is not a condition Plastic surgeons are trained to assess or treat.
Consider talking to your primary care physician.
It is unlikely you’ll get a quality assessment, explanation, or treatment for muscle spasms from your plastic surgeon.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

What are some reasons for getting muscle spasms 1 year post-op tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

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