I had full TT surgery on 3-29-12. 2 months post-op, I woke up with a sore ribcage & what looked like a tube running from my left side up into my ribcage. My PS told me that it was a clotted vein & nothing to worry about. He told me to take aspirin & that it would go away on it's own. I am now 5 months post-op & the vein is still bulging out & PS still says it will go away. My ribs get so sore sometimes that it hurts to sit down. Is this normal & if so, what can I do to unclot the vein?
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Answers (2)
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This is normal and probably will continue for at least several months. Usually it is worse if you are more active during the day and less if you are less active. If it seems excessive to you, you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
I give all my patients Valium for postop breast spasms and tightness in tummy tuck and breast augmentation surgery. It is not a narcotic and works great.
Given that you are 8 months out of your tummy tuck operation, residual “swelling” would be unusual. You may want to ask your plastic surgeon about this area of concern; he/she will be in the best position to advise you after direct examination.
Sometimes, after tummy tuck surgery, pat...