Can my loose skin be causing lower back pain?

Question

I have loose skin from massive weight loss in my abdomen and back. I had already asked a question about my weight being an issue for proceeding with the procedure and most doctors said that it was okay to proceed with surgery. But the main reason I want to have this procedure is because of pain in my lower back. I don't if this the cause, but I had never had back pain before my weight loss.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that loose skin on the abdomen would be a major contributor to lower back pain because it usually does not weigh very much.   The total weight of resected skin on a patient who has undergone massive weight loss is often only a few pounds. I would suggest seeing your doctor to investigate other causes of lower back pain.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Back pain and tummy tucksLoose skin will generally not create back pain..  A large abdominal paniculus and loose muscle are more likely to create the problems.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

It is doubtful that your back pain is caused by the loose skin in the abdomen.  Usually, as you lose weight, the back pain should lessen as the back will get less stress from the front.  You should see a back specialist to have the back pain worked-up prior to tummy tuck.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

In general weight loss makes back pain better, as there is less stress on your back.  Loose skin on your front and back after weight loss is unlikely to be the cause of back pain.  Consult both a back specialist and a board-certified plastic surgeon for answers. Best of luck.

Al Rosenthal, MD · Answer

It is possible but unlikely that your loose lower abdominal skin is causing back pain. If you have a large pannus that way several pounds it can make you a bit unbalanced and require some constant tension from your back muscles to keep you straight. If you just have access skin, however, this will not put much strain on your back and therefore would not to be stressful.I think this would be a good point to bring up with your plastic surgeon when you go for your consultation. If your surgeon cannot find an easy explanation for the back pain, they may refer you to a spine specialist prior to considering your abdominoplasty. Best of luck to you.

John Newkirk, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

My inclination is that the loose skin is not the cause of your back pain. If you had no back pain when you were much heavier, some loose skin is unlikely to be the cause. You may want to consult with an orthopedic  or neurosurgeon who does back surgery for an evaluation.

Can my loose skin be causing lower back pain?

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