8 weeks post-op TT with muscle repair: intense burning muscle pain when I roll over onto my side. Is that normal?

Question

About 2 weeks post op, while trying to get comfortable, I felt as though I pulled a abdominal muscle (only way I can describe it) right below my right rib cage area. It's was a sharp burning intense pain. At 8 weeks, I thought it would be gone by now. This pain only happens when I am laying down and attempt to roll onto either of my sides. It lasts for about a minute and goes away. I've never mentioned it to my doc because it doesn't hurt.when I see him. Wondering if it's part of healing?

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. After tummy tuck various sensations of burning and pulling may persist for weeks and even months. It will likely get better within a year. I hope this helps :-)

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! If you had a muscle repair this may be a little sensory nerve caught in the suture repair of your muscles. Sometimes this will get better with anti-inflammatories, warmth and massage. You should definitely mention your symptoms to your surgeon and consider making an appointment. A steroid injection may help!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

During TT recovery, some patients experience this burning sensation for as long as three months.  If the pain intensifies or occurs more frequently, follow up with your PS.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

This sounds like a sensory nerve problem, possible irritation.  Since you are in the early stages of healing, it will likely get better with time. The best thing to do is see your surgeon to make sure it is nothing else.  Good luck.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

it sounds like you have an inflamed or irritated nerve. this is not what most people experience. however, i suspect very strongly that it will just go away with time (over several weeks) and you will never really know why it occurred. i doubt very much it is anything serious (other than being uncomfortable for you!!). you may want to massage the area gently.if it persists, see your plastic surgeon.david berman md

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8 weeks post-op TT with muscle repair: intense burning muscle pain when I roll over onto my side. Is that normal?

Answers (5)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU