Tummy Tuck Pain Vs Liposuction Pain

Question

I am a 19-year old male from Norway. For years I've been unhappy with how my stomach looked. I finally made my decision to have a liposuction done. I've never been in so much pain my whole life! It's been a couple of months since my liposuction (so I guess I can see the final result), but I have yet to see the results I was "promised" though. Maybe I wasn't realistic about the results. I'm now considering getting a tummy tuck, but my question is; does a tummy tuck hurt as bad as a liposuction?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I have a great suggestion which should ease your mind and pain at the same time. I would recommend using Exparel. Essentially Exparel is a very long-acting local anesthetic that has just been released. It lasts approximately 3 or more days following injection. This is the same length of time that a pain pump lasts and will therefore take the place of a pain pump. This means patients can enjoy the same effect of a pain pump, but without any catheters and no pain pump to carry around.Exparel will be available for those concerned about minimizing discomfort after surgeries such as tummy tuck liposuction and breast augmentation.Exparel costs the same as a pain pump and produces the same result but with less hassle.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck surgery is more invasive with an extensive recovery period, unlike liposuction. To be honest, pain tolerance is different for each individual. Therefore, we can't tell you how painful your recovery will be for you but my patients usually state that recovering from a tummy tuck surgery is more painful than liposuction. We prescribe strong painkillers to our patients so pain and discomfort can be tolerable. Good luck.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is hard to tell exactly what you would benefit from, without a physical examination. I advise you to seek a board certified plastic surgeon and have a consultation, to discuss your options! Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel

Double Board Certified

Plastic Surgeon

Chicago

Hoffman Estates

Oak Brook

Double Board Certified

Plastic Surgeon

Chicago

Hoffman Estates

Oak Brook

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  Rather than focusing on the pain issues, let's look at the bigger picture.  It would be fairly unusual, in a 19 year old male, to need a tummy tuck.  Have you lost a massive amount of body weight?

	Also, since you had your liposuction fairly recently, it may be that your skin has not yet had time to contract.  It really takes about 6 months.

	I would recommend a little patience.  I know this may not be the answer you were hoping for.  

	Speak with your surgeon about your results and your frustrations, but give it a little more time.

	 

	All the best,

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
Because a tummy tuck involves tightening of the abdominal musculature, while liposuction occurs entirely in the subcutaneous plane, a tummy tuck will be much more painful.
I agree with Dr. Rand, however... Unless you've experienced a massive weight gain and loss cycle, I can't imagine why a tummy tuck would be in your best interests.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

The question is why are you considering having a tummy tuck at age 19?  This is very early unless you have had massive weight loss! 
In many men who have had massive weight loss, either a panniculectomy or a full tummy tuck is often performed.  Often, no tightening of the fascia is necessary.  Tightening of the fascia is usually the painful part.
Your post doesn't state whether the pain you experienced was during the procedure (which can be avoided completely by a general anesthetic) or in the postoperative period.  If the tummy tuck is even necessary, a general anesthetic would be recommended.
In the ear of pain pumps and Aftercare, the pain level should be comparable or less than for liposuction in the recovery period for a tummy tuck without fascial tightening.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The liposuction is much less painful and invasive than an abdominoplasty.  I am surprised that you found the liposuction to be extremely painful because the postop swelling guards against pain and my patients do extremely well with limited pain medication.  You haven't explained why you think you would be a candidate for abdominoplasty so it is not possible to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure for you.

Michael D. Yates, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fatty tissue and would only be appropriate for you if you have had significant weight loss with the development of significant excess skin. Usually men do not require tightening of the muscles, but the tummy tuck procedure will still be more painful than liposuction alone. You might need to allow some more time for healing and then discuss options with your plastic surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Pain is a very subjective issue. Most lipos have pain from 1 to 5 vs a tummy tuck most have level 5 to 8. So a tummy tuck will in most be more painful.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck hurts much more than liposuctioning. At your age you really need to think long and hard as to what you are doing and why you are doing it. I suggest seeing several plastic surgeons and getting a number of opinions. Liposuction is not a very painful procedure so your experience is unusual.

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