Can This Tummy Tuck Nightmare Be Fixed? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck done almost a year ago. I am in horrible pain and swelling everyday. I was a very active woman and I only weighed 125lbs. Now, I cannot exercise without severe swelling and pain an daily activities are so hard to do. I have three children and this nightmare of a tummy tuck has completely changed my life . PLEASE, if you know anything that can help me, I AM DESPERATE !!!!! My doctor keeps giving me the run around and after 1 CT and 2 ultrasounds he still says he doesn't know.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point, it's hard to say what's wrong with you without actually seeing you. However, if the CT scans and ultrasounds are negative, you might need to be re-tightened to get a flatter belly. If it's nerve pain, I would recommend seeing nerve specialist, Dr. Eric Williams in Baltimore, MD, who has a lot of experience with this sort of thing. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Where is the pain? Is it confined to a certain area? Does it radiate? Is there anything that makes it better? If it is a very generalized pain, and the CT scan and ultrasound proved fruitless, I would consider a pain management specialist after an examination by an internal medicine doctor. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It is hard to really know what problems you are having without examining you and seeing your scans. The cause of the right upper abdominal bulge can be many things. I also do not understand from your description what your pain really is or where your pain is. Abdominal wall issues can be very complicated or very simple and that usually can only be determined by direct physical exam. Seek as many opinions as it takes until you find the right person. You will know when you do.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry for your issues. Best to obtain in person second opinions. And take your scans with you. It appears as a upper lateral quadrant issue, hernia or split in muscle/fascia. Follow up please.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

I would like to know what the studies showed before I render a formal opinion.  For example, is there a fluid collection?  What is the nature of  your pain exactly?  What do you mean by "the run around"?

	It may be that a repeat tummy tuck may be in order, or some sort of nerve procedure may be in order.  We need much more information to advise you.

	sek

Can This Tummy Tuck Nightmare Be Fixed? (photo)

Answers (9)