Back massage after tummy tuck, is it safe? 6 days post op.

Question

I had a full tummy tuck 6 days ago. I am feeling pretty good except my back is killing me from sitting and laying down so much. Would it be ok to get a chair massage? Is it ok to take my compression garment off for the massage or should I leave it on? Thank you in advance

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Back pain is common after abdominoplasty; this is often due to limitations on position("beach chair" when in bed, walking bent over). The discomfort generally resolves as activity increases. Back massage in a chair does sound safe and reasonable, however, recommendations will vary widely from surgeon to surgeon. I suggest that you contact your physician regarding specific recommendations. Best of luck, and congratulations on your operation!

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Back pain after a TT is a very common complaint especially with the prolonged sitting and walking bent over.  I often have my patient lay flat with two pillow beneath their knee early on to stay bent at the waist and minimize tension on the incision while giving their back muscles a chance to rest.I would check with you plastic surgeon about the back massage, even if only a chair massage before proceeding.  He or she will know best if this is a good idea for you as recommendations and post operative protocol can vary from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon.Best of Luck with your healing!Dr. Rednam

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

It is common to have some degree of discomfort in your back after a tummy tuck.  Personally, I would be hesitant to allow a patient to have a massage less than a week after a tummy tuck.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Low back pain is common after tummy tuck. Ask your surgeon if they believe massage in your lower back would help you. I let my patients do this in certain cases, but not always depending on the incision length.

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

While back pain can is common after tummy tuck, it is best
to check with your plastic surgeon prior to your massage to make sure any kind
of massage is okay.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

It's early at 5 days out, but if no liposuction was done in that area, a chair massage should be fine. Your surgeon is the one to answer this question definitively for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, the type of discomfort you are describing is commonly experience after tummy tuck surgery.  This type of discomfort tends to subside once patients become more active (ambulate more frequently) and are able to take pressure off their backs (by sleeping on their sides).  Unless there is an incision extending to the back area,  gentle massage should be just fine. I would suggest manual massage so that  amount of pressure can be controlled by the "masseuse". As always best to run questions by your plastic surgeon for the final "go ahead".  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Back massage after tummy tuck, is it safe? 6 days post op.

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