3+ years post op - Tummy tuck issues (Photos)

Question

For 3 years now my LOWER ABDOMEN has been feeling very tender/tight and overly sensitive. Its very uncomfortable to live life normally. Only wearing a strap gives relief CT and Ultrasound were normal - I think it maybe internal scar tissue and maybe a trapped nerve. I have reached out to many surgeons in Toronto who have all declined to help without seeing me, saying there is nothing they can do. Will massage therapy help or will I need revision?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding pain in the lower abdomen after an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck.  Thank you for your question in your pictures.  Knowing what was done on your prior abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is important.  Specifically, was the rectus abdominis muscle plicated or sewn together?  You may have an entrapped nerve if the rectus abdominis muscle was plicated.  Alternatively, it could be scar tissue around the nerve.  Nonetheless, if this area bothers you, you should undergo a revision abdominoplasty or at least explore the area.  This area can be carefully investigated during the revision abdominoplasty.  Most plastic surgeons would remove most or all of the sutures from the rectus muscle.  Removal of the muscle sutures would release the presumed and trapped nerve.  If scar tissue is in this area, the scar tissue can be removed, and ideally, the compressed nerve would be released.  Either way, if the pain bothers you, I suggest exploratory surgery for possible abdominoplasty revision.  Good luck.   Thank you for your question regarding pain in the lower abdomen after an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, extended lower body lift, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since the panniculectomy or lower body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or lower body lift.  Do your research.  Ensure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced panniculectomy or lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  ( Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It’s unfortunate you’re experiencing these issues. It would be great if you could return to your original surgeon to discuss this issue. This may be the best place to start, since your original surgeon would know the specifics of your physiology and surgery. However, if this is not possible, then getting your surgical records and asking another surgeon would be an option.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jimmy365,

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 or ask for a second opinion. Only after a 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

I'm sorry to hear that you are still experiencing discomfort three years from your tummy tuck.  Has your original surgeon examined you?  That would be the best place to begin since she/he is most familiar with the details of your surgery.  You may have improvement with some gentle stretching exercises guided by a physical therapist depending on the cause.

3+ years post op - Tummy tuck issues (Photos)

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