Shiny skin and pressure/pulling after tummy tuck with muscle repair. Should I be concerned?

Hello,Based on your description it doesn't sound as if you have any damage or unusual sensations. Skin can appear shiny when swelling is present and last for a month or two. The location of muscle repair and incision placement will feel tight, feel slightly hardened and sometimes cause pulling or discomfort with movement. Talk to your Plastic Surgeon about any concerning changes.All the best

Hello, your questions would be best answered by your plastic surgeon who could exam you and ask you other detailed questions. Good luck. 

Based solely on your description, your recovery sounds normal. However, if it worries you or any of your symptoms turn into pain, schedule an appointment to see your surgeon. Always best to err on the side of caution. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Healing after tummy tuck or mommy makeover does include a range of swelling that can be normal. Your description of abdominal pressure/pulling and some knots are common at 2+ weeks post op. I would continue to wear a garment for compression to help with your swelling. Sometimes diuretics help.   Obviously discuss these concerns with your surgeon.                   

Hello dear, thanks for your post, since you are still swollen the skin change and it can look shiny or dry, this is going to start looking better whith time as the healing progresses, but remember that is always good to always talk about your concerns with your PS. Good luck :)

Skin that is swollen from normal post-operative changes can be shiny appearing and this will resolve with time as the healing progresses. I tell most patients to expect pulling, soreness, and tightness for several weeks after abdominoplasty. These questions are best addressed by your surgeon who can examine you in person. Good luck!

Your description of breasts/nipples and tummy does not seem concerning to me.When breast skin stretches from implant, it may get dry or shinny.The "knots" may be deeper sutures; it is normal to feel discomfort and tightness from muscle repair.If you are concerned, please visit your plastic surgeon to be examined in-person.Best regards.

Shiny skin is usually the result of pressure and tension. Provided you
do not have a fluid collection or an infection with redness and tenderness, it
should get better by itself over time. The feelings of pressure and pulling are common following abdominoplasty
or tummy tuck. Knots can be due to many
things including the presence of superficial sutures. You are not likely to
have damaged the muscle repair unless a bulge shows through the skin. It would
probably be best for you to follow up with your surgeon to have all of your concerns
addressed.