Is It Normal to Have Sharp Pains in Legs Like Nerves Are Pinched After Tummy Tuck?

Hi there-

It would be difficult, without knowing more, to say what might be going on. 

On the other hand, leg pains (especially with activity) after tummy tuck should always be taken seriously, as they may be a sign of a potentially life threatening condition- a blood clot in the legs.

You should call your surgeon right away and be evaluated.

Hopefully, your pains simply represent a bit of swelling or other benign problem, but you would not want to miss a blood clot.

The first thought that came to mind when you described leg pain after a tummy tuck is a DVT. A blood clot in your leg veins can extend, and even embolize (move) to your lungs, creating lot of trouble. See you plastic surgeon ASAP, and discuss your risk factors for DVT (recent extensive procedure under anesthesia, immobilization, etc). Accurate diagnosis and swift treatment are of paramount importance.

 

A week after a Tummy Tuck is a very short time but it is VERY atypical for patients to complain of leg pains after this surgery.

I would urge you to see you surgeon immediately to make sure your leg pains are not associated with blood clot formation in the legs (DVT). Such clots MAY be fatal if they become dislodged and travel to the lungs as Pulmonary Emboli. These days the diagnosis of DVT is straight forward. Do NOT delay. See your surgeon or go to the ER. It is far better to be wrong than to suffer a PE.

Another remote possibility with low Tummy Tuck incisions that in closing the incision one of the sensory nerves to the anterior thigh was caught in a stitch. That pain will be typical and MAY be relieved if the constriction was removed.

I would first rule out the possibility of blood clots before thinking about anything else

Good Luck.