Post Op Day 7 Tummy Tuck, Pain by Belly Button Area. Any suggestions?

Question

I am post op day 7 and am having more pain in the belly button area? Normal? I stopped my meds on day 5. I have been walking a lot could this be why? I just find it weird that I can't feel my stomach to touch it but I get really sharp pain in the belly button area?

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have exactly this type of pain after your operation. This is both a common place in time to have it and is accentuated by the fact that you recently stopped taking her pain medications. Be patient, it should improve. I recommend you discuss the matter with your plastic surgeon.It is imperative that you seek the advice of a plastic
surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has
extensive experience in tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

Leilie Javan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to have more soreness or pain as you start to feel better and increase your activity level. You mention that you have stopped your pain medicine. I think that's great, but you sound like you might still need something to help you through the day. Many of my patients will take a lesser dose ( 1/2 a pill) or will switch to Tylenol.Also, in patients that wear a support garment in their post op recovery, sometimes the garment rubbing or putting pressure in the area can do this. We have patients place gauze in this area to avoid the potential for pressure on the belly button.As always, it's best to run your discomfort by your surgeon. Hope this helps. Best wishes for a quick recovery

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It seems you already answered your own question.  You stopped taking any medications and increased your activity at the same time.  This is absolutely the reason for the increased discomfort. The sensory nerves are disrupted during surgery that is why you cant feel to touch, and it is a deeper discomfort you are feeling.  Good luck with recovery.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent tummy tuck.Without photos or direct examination, I cannot comment why your pain is localized around the belly button.  However, you are very early in your recovery process. You may be experiencing pain from muscle pulling and nerve pain.Please follow your plastic surgeon's post-op instruction.Good luck with your recovery.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

This would be best taken care of by contacting your PS for an in person examination.  You may be developing an early infection so please contact your PS.

Post Op Day 7 Tummy Tuck, Pain by Belly Button Area. Any suggestions?

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Post Op Day 7 Tummy Tuck, Pain by Belly Button Area. Any suggestions?

Answers (5)

Answer: Pain around belly button

Answer: Pain around belly button

Answer: Pain in belly button area

Answer: Pain in belly button area

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.