58 yrs, Full TT 3 weeks ago. Can't arch my back, my back has no curve, looks flat/straight and rigid. Will this resolve?

Question

FULL TUMMY TUCK and BL 3 weeks ago. I cant arch my back , my back looks flattened and rigid, without its previous slight curve. Had tightening. ( surgeon says separation was "Not that bad ") will I get curve/to my spineand correct pitch to my pelvis back?, It was fine before. I look like im wearing a rigid steel back brace. Pelvis is tilted slightly inwards. Muscle tightening feels extremely tight ( tugging when I'm straight ) Had procedure because tons of hanging skin, had no other problems.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank
you very much for your question and congratulations on your recent tummy tuck.
It is very difficult to provide meaningful advice without an-in person examination,
however, at three weeks’ post-op, you are still in the early healing stage.
More than likely, these sensations will get better as you heal and the swelling
resolves. However, you should bring your questions and concerns to your
operating surgeon, as he/she knows your medical history and your recovery
progression. Your plastic surgeon can provide important advice on how to best
get through this initial tummy tuck recovery period.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

HEALING AFTER SURGERY, ALL COSMETIC SURGERY WITH RISKS

1.   
pain is variable

2.   
it takes 2-3 months for implants to settle and muscles to relax

3.   
celebrex, motrin, and muscle relaxers can help

4.   
massage and stretching may help

5.   
everyone heals differently

6.   
4-7 days off from work is common

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES: Tingling, burning or shooting pains, which will disappear
with time and should not alarm you, indicate regeneration of the sensory
nerves. If these sensations cause pain, repeated, local self-massage helps.

ASYMMETRY: The two breasts commonly heal quite differently. One
breast may swell more, feel more uncomfortable, or have a different initial
shape. After complete healing, they will be more similar and natural. You must
have patience, but if this causes concern, ask questions of the doctor or the
nursing staff.

SHAPE AND CONTOUR: The final shape of your breasts will start to look its
best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin
and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often
look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can
take up to a year to see your final result.

FOLLOW-UP EXAMS: These are generally done in 1 week, 2 to 3
weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year, and 1-2 year intervals. In
our office we include all of your follow up appointments in the initial
surgical fee.

If you are concerned about the healing process, the best thing to do is to visit your surgeon to have the area of trouble examined and make sure that healing is progressing as it should. Good luck.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it is hard to comment specifically on your concerns based on a description alone, but if your surgery was only 3 weeks ago it would not be common for the muscles to still feel tight.  It can take 6 weeks or longer for this feeling to resolve.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will likely regain your normal posture as you continue to progress through recovery.  At this stage everything is still very tight and is holding you more rigidly.  As the muscles relax and heal you should find your posture will feel less tense.  Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon and discuss your concerns as you continue the healing process.

58 yrs, Full TT 3 weeks ago. Can't arch my back, my back has no curve, looks flat/straight and rigid. Will this resolve?

Answers (4)

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