Sharp pain in upper abdomen after tummy tuck

Question

I am on day 3 of having really sharp pain in the center of my upper abdomen. I am 2 months post op from full tummy tuck. I did work out on Wed. so I thought maybe I over did it and it's just sore, but three days later I still have the pain. Should I be concerned and see my Doctor? I hate to bother if I'm just sore. Thank you!

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Not wanting to bother your plastic surgeon with information about potential problems is the wrong pair of glasses.  If you don't give your plastic surgeon an opportunity to decide what symptoms are important and which are not will certainly bother him or her more.  In the process of repairing the separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), most plastic surgeons suture the covering of the rectus muscles together.  This repair technique pulls tissue together which may have been separated for a long time.  To truly heal this repair, the muscles and fascia must stretch and scar tissue needs to cover the repair and sutures.  Until the scar tissue forms in the early post operative period, the repaired muscles may go into spasm during exercise, and this spasm may cause pain that will last for several days.Your question as to whether you should be concerned or not will depend on what your personal plastic surgeon tells you.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Since your pain is not resolving on its own, yes, I think you should be seen in person by your surgeon. Always best to err on the side of caution. My best,Dr. Sheila Nazarian@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you
for your question.
It is
difficult to say without a full assessment. I'd
recommend speaking with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to
disucss your concerns. 
Take care.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sorry to hear you are having discomfort. The muscles may just be sore or having spasms from your workout, but I think you should be evaluated by plastic surgeon. Hope this helps.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

You should always feel comfortable enough with your plastic surgeon to discuss any post-operative changes or issues that are bothering you. Pain can be normal after a tummy tuck, particularly with exercise, but it still warrants an examination if you are uncomfortable. Avoid doing any strenuous activity or motions which exacerbate the pain until you have a chance to contact your physician.

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  This is absolutely a normal question to ask your plastic surgeon and they should not be bothered by a post-operative reach out by you.  It is not abnormal to have pain in the abdomen after such a large surgery - especially now that you are getting back into exercise.  Make sure to take it easy and ring your doctor.Cheers and best wishes,Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and you will not be bothering your surgeon or other MD if you have concerns so be evaluated.Dr. Corbin

J. Michael Morrissey, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As you get back in to your regular exercise program, it is not uncommon to have some discomfort as you are stressing the muscles that were worked on at the time of surgery. Please don't hesitate to talk with your surgeon. He or she WANTS to know how you are feeling and answer any questions that may come up. I, and most surgeons, would rather you call than wait and worry unnecessarily. . That's what we're  here for!We work for YOU!! Best wishes,Dr. Morrissey

Sharp pain in upper abdomen after tummy tuck

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