1.5 year post op DIEP surgery, I have an abdomen pain while exercising. Is this normal?

Question

I had a DIEP surgery in January 2013. The recovery was good. But I feel this piercing pain on the left side of my lower abdomen every time when I do exercise like sit ups. Regular exercise like running or other kinds of muscle training doesn't cause any pain. I did sonography during the summer and the doctor said he can't see anything wrong on the image. Is this pain normal? What can possibly cause the pain? Is there any way to find out what happened and remove the pain?

Rajan Uppal, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

HiA DIEP flap to make a new breast is the gold standard in breast surgery and can create a soft, natural breast that has a good shape and appearance. A DIEP flap breast reconstruction also maintains this natural shape in the long term unlike breast implants which can go hard and need changing every few years especially if radiotherapy is required. The DIEP flap also gives you a flat tummy as a bonus. The benefits are therefore clear although it requires a longer operation than just having breast implants to make the new breast.  This DIEP option is not available in all cancer units and so most ladies have breast implants to make the breast which can also give excellent results. Patients can get occasional pains in their abdomen for some time after a DIEP, just as one would after a tummy tuck, because there is deep scarring on the inside. This is normal and not a cause for concern. It usually gets better over time and you should consult your surgeon for advice. They would usually advise you to continue exercise as normal as long as you feel comfortable. Daily massage of the area can also help. Best wishes.

1.5 year post op DIEP surgery, I have an abdomen pain while exercising. Is this normal?

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1.5 year post op DIEP surgery, I have an abdomen pain while exercising. Is this normal?

Answers (1)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.