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.