I just had a tummy tuck, my pain level only comes down a little and doesn’t last long. Is this normal?

Question

Hi, I had a tummy tuck with liposuction yesterday morning. I have been in a lot more pain than expected. I had the Experell, but it didn’t seem to work. Now, I am at home and in a lot of pain. I am alternating muscle relaxers and Percocet, but my pain level only comes down a little and doesn’t last long. Is this normal? I know I have a very low pain threshold, but this seems extensive considering the other patient comments.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question...Liposuction and tummy tuck together in the same operation is probably one of the toughest surgery, in regards to recovery, that we as plastic surgeons perform. Although it is expected to have some pain and discomfort for at least the 1st week and maybe even into the 2nd week it continues to improve everyday. The first 3-5 days will likely be the most painful. That being said, you had experel AND have Percocet so I feel as though your pain should be pretty well controlled. If you feel the pain is that bad then you should call your plastic surgeon immediately and relay your concerns to them so they can rule out any other potential issues that can be of concern. Hopefully they have made themselves readily available to you anytime after your surgery! Hang in there and I wish you a speedy and safe recovery!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Pain control is important.  I typically use whatever medication a patient has used in the past that has had success.  If the patient has never had surgery or never used pain medication, I use oral narcotic meds of varying strengths.   I think that many patients require prescription pain medications for the first week or so with the transition to the use of Tylenol for the next week.  Every patient is different so do not compare your pain level to that of someone else.  The pain can be managed effectively by following up with your PS.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The first few days to a week after a tummy tuck are when the discomfort is typically highest.  I encourage you to try comfort measures such as a semi reclined position with knees slightly bent. You can place pillows beneath your knees for support.  Contact your surgeon for further instruction with regard to your pain medication.

I just had a tummy tuck, my pain level only comes down a little and doesn’t last long. Is this normal?

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