Loosening Abdominal Muscles After Tummy Tuck

Question

How long does it take for the upper abdominal region to "loosen up" or feel less taught following Tummy Tuck? I am also wondering if this is the skin and upper abdominal muscles that are pulling which are preventing me from standing completely erect. What can I do to help facilitate slight loosening of these structures so that is more comfortable to walk and stand erect?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question -
It is typical for things to feel a bit tight after tummy tuck.  Typically not only is the skin pulled tightly but the rectus muscles are also tightened to create a better abdominal contour.
In the post-op period there can be swelling that contributes to this tight feeling.  The tightness typically resolves over the first 2 to 3 weeks.  It usually resolves without any intervention or treatment needed.  For patients that have tightness causing discomfort after about a month physical therapy can assist in improving things.
Becareful not start exercises or stretching without discussing the options with your surgeon first as this can cause post-op bleeding or failure of the muscle repair.
I hope this helps.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the feeling of tightness in the upper abdominal region after a tummy tuck and how long it takes to "loosen up". It's common to experience this sensation as part of the healing process.

Permanent sutures are typically used for muscle repair during a tummy tuck, and they are indeed permanent for a reason—to ensure the muscles remain tightly aligned and heal in their new position. It generally takes the first month for the muscle repair sutures to soften and for you to feel comfortable standing straight without significant tightness.

To help facilitate slight loosening and make it more comfortable to walk and stand erect, I recommend following your surgeon's post-operative guidelines closely. This often includes wearing a compression garment, engaging in light walking as soon as it's safe, and performing any recommended gentle stretching exercises that can help with flexibility without straining the repaired muscles.

If, over time, the tightness does not ease or if it restricts your movement excessively, it is possible (though rare) to adjust or remove the sutures. This should be considered only under the guidance of your plastic surgeon and typically only after giving your body ample time to heal and adjust to the changes from surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It just takes time for everything to stretch out over time.  My patients are able to pretty much walk erect after a couple of weeks, but things are still tight for a long time.  You can slowly try to stand straight, but if things pull then you are over doing it. 
I dont know how long out your are from your surgery but that is the general time frame for my patients.
Hope that helps.

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