Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

Question

I had my tummy tuck and muscle repair done yesterday morning. No it’s the next day and it’s 1:15 am and can’t sleep because I have off and on what feel like spams-contractions. They come on quick and are painful. Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this. It hurts :(

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Muscle spasms can occur after a tummy tuck when the muscles are tightened.  They are typically well controlled with the use of muscle relaxers prescribed by your surgeon.  Although uncomfortable, they will not ruin your result.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your recent tummy tuck surgery !  Spasms after surgery is very common and expected when the muscles are tightened during the procedure. Muscle relaxants can be prescribed from your plastic surgeon. The spasms should not ruin the repair you had and are a result of the surgery.  Discuss with your plastic surgeon recommendations to help you with your discomfort  Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Having spasm after muscle plication is not unusual and will resolve in time.  It can certainly be uncomfortable, so for that reason I prescribe my patients muscle relaxants after such a procedure as well as a breast augmentation procedure to help with the spasms.I would discuss this with your surgeon as it may help your discomfort.The spasm will not harm your repair or your results, it is more of a comfort issue.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Shelly1414,
muscle spasms can occur in early post-operative period after tummy tuck and you can have some pain and discomfort. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The tightening of the muscles may play a role in the muscle spasms.  Muscle spasms can happen for many reasons.  There are multiple postoperative pain control options that exist and your surgeon should be able to keep your pain controlled.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

Answers (7)

Answer: Muscle spasms

Answer: Muscle spasms

Answer: Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

Answer: Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

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Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

Answers (7)

Answer: Muscle spasms

Answer: Muscle spasms

Answer: Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

Answer: Spasms after tummy tuck - Is this normal? Will it ruin my repair? How can I prevent this.

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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.