I had a tummy tuck 5 years ago and it still hurts. Should I be concerned?

Question

I was told I had a hernia at my belly button 2 months after surgery, they had to go in and fix, I suffered with bleeding in a pocket for awhile, I still have pain in the stomach area an feel sometimes like it is spasms, and feels hard. It has now been 5 years, when I tried to talk to the doc, he said I just heal slow, so I never went back. I wish I had never had it done. Is there any reason for me to be concerned and should I seek help?

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Pain is generally short-term after abdominoplasty.  It is normal to have occasional aches and pains following surgery.However, 5 years is too long.  It's impossible to evaluate without a physical exam.  This may represent fat necrosis or a hernia recurrence.  It could also be a stitch abscess.  At this point, a CT scan may be helpful, but the first place to begin is a good physical exam by your previous surgeon or another trusted plastic surgeon.If you don't want to see your original doctor, make sure to get the operative report from your procedure.This will help to inform your physician which sutures were used and what procedures were done.  I hope this helps!

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

Persistent abdominal pain   requires additional work-up. It is  very unlikely/unusal to have  pain from an abdominoplasty fives after  surgery. I would  suggest seeing  your family doctor for an evaluation  and tests to diagnose the  cause of the pain.I wish  you well !

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no way to give you a precise answer regarding your situation. Occasionally, bleeding can lead to increased scar tissue and this could be causing some of the pain. An exploratory operation is the only way to make that determination. Continue to follow up with your surgeon to ensure that you progress as planned. 
Best of luck!

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

5 years is a long time to wait for pain to resolve.  Have you thought about discussing your concerns with your primary care provider?  It is possible that something else is going on that needs to be investigated.  A full exam in person would be required.  Perhaps your hernia has returned?  Scar tissue can also cause pain many years later.  If you had bleeding complications, you may have developed more scar tissue than usual.  Sometimes the scar tissue can be removed.  If you are not getting anywhere with your previous surgeon, try finding another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion.  Good luck.

H. Michael Roark, MD (retired) · Answer

Incisional pain should subside after a few weeks.  If you have persistent pain in the incision, the problem is scar tissue or nerve entrapment.  If the pain is new, a medical work up is required.  Superficial pain in the incision can be dealt with by injection theraphy or scar revision or excision.

I had a tummy tuck 5 years ago and it still hurts. Should I be concerned?

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