Tightness from tummy tuck; how long will I feel this?

During a tummy tuck, the muscles are frequently tightened. This is important since the rectus (six pack) muscles spread apart during pregnancy- essentially we are "synching down the corset." Patients will experience a sense of tightness for several weeks. The skin will also feel tight in the up-down direction. This too will ease up.Tight early assures a flat tummy later!

Thank you for your question and congratulations for your procedure. The degree of tightness on the abdomen depends on the muscle repair (how loose was the abdomen before the procedure and how the muscles have been brought back to the midline) and also on amount of skin removed. On average I advice my patients in Manchester and London that it might take anything from 6 weeks to several months. My suggestion would be to contact your surgeon, ask some details of the degree of separation of your abdominal muscles detected during your procedure and I believe that on that basis you might have a more precise idea of what to expect in your specific case.All the best.Andrea MarandoPlastic and Cosmetic Surgeon (GMC Specialist Register)Certified European Board of Plastic Surgery (Ebopras)Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)Member of the Italian Society of Plastic Surgeons (SIPRE)Member of the Italian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (AICPE)Member of International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS)

Tightness typically occurs with muscle repair. Tightness may improve after 6 months but often takes up to a year.

The fact that you have tightness after a tummy tuck is probably evidence that your surgeon did an adequate job of tightening your muscles.  It may take several months for that sensation to slowly fade as your tissues relax and accommodate.  Maybe as many as six.  But, important thing is that it should gradually and progressively improve.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

The tight feeling you have after a tummy tuck will typically be worst the first week post op.  By the second week typically you are feeling better and able to walk upright.  It is not unusual to still feel some degree of tightness for up to 1 month.  By 6 weeks, if all is well, most patients can go back to all their regular activities.  As always, make sure you follow-up with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis.

Thank you for your question.  Abdominoplasties are pretty much one of the largest cosmetic procedures that Plastic Surgeons perform.  I tell all my patients to expect a feeling of tightness in their abdomen for at least three months after the procedure.  

The tight feeling you are experiencing after your Tummy Tuck is most likely due to the muscle tightening.  This feeling will probably last several months as your body gets used to the new muscle position.  I hope this was helpful to you. 
Best Wishes, Dr. B.

Tummy tuck tightness is often due to the skin closure and the swelling. It can take several weeks to months for the skin is soften and for the swelling to subside.

Tightness in the abdomen in normal after tummy tuck.   This is due to what is called plication of the rectus muscles.  Your abdominal muscles are tightened from the lower part of your breast bone to the top of your pubic area to give you a flat stomach.   If just skin and fat is removed without tightening the results are not as nearly as good.  The tightness should gradually decrease over six months as your body becomes used to the new muscle position.  Best of luck
Raymond Jean MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia PA

Greetings. The feeling of "tightness" could last up to 2 months or more.  However, things should improve prior to that. It also depends how many days out are from the tummy tuck.  The "tight" feeling may be more pronounced in the early post-operative period.  Discuss this with your surgeon who can provide you with a better understanding.  Best wishes.