3 weeks post tummy tuck. I have strong stiffness when laying down (feels like a cast) for more than 5 minutes, is this normal?

Question

I am 3 weeks post tummy tuck and medial thigh lift. When I lay down for more than 5 minutes (or sleep), my body becomes incredibly stiff--almost like a cast. I feel better when I walk around. I asked my surgeon and he doesn't seem to know what the problem is. I am already getting a professional lymphatic massage every other day. Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hi Babefish

Thank you for question ,You are very  early in recovery period ,try to be patient and follow your plastic surgeons instructions and talk about your concerns.
Best of luck to you

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Babefish,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are still early in your recovery and being stiff and sore could result from not being at your normal activity level.  Continue to follow the advice of your surgeon and report if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation and discomfort are normal.
If you have any concerns, please follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

S. Tyler Elkins-Williams, MD · Answer

Hi babefish, and thanks for your question. I'm sorry to hear your recovery isn't going exactly as you expected. Having an abdominoplasty and medial thigh lift is a lot for anyone to recover from; 3 weeks is very early in the process and it is normal not to feel quite right yet. Most likely this is going to improve with time; it can take 3-6 months to truly get over surgery like this. Make sure you keep seeing your plastic surgeon so that he can perform serial physical exams and ensure the healing process is continuing as expected.

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Dear Babefish,I am sorry you are having a difficult time with your recovery. It is difficult to determine what exactly is causing your symptoms without an in person examination, but the tightening of your abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck can cause a feeling of tightness as well as muscle spasms which could be causing your symptoms. You are still very early in your recovery and the fact that the symptoms improve is encouraging. Follow up closely with your surgeon and I anticipate that things will resolve with time. Hang in there.

3 weeks post tummy tuck. I have strong stiffness when laying down (feels like a cast) for more than 5 minutes, is this normal?

Answers (6)

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