Is back pain normal after a Mommy Makeover?

If a mommy makeover includes and abdominoplasty the abdominal wall discomfort causes some patients to depend too much on the back muscles for support of the spine. This can sometimes translate into temporary back pain.

Thanks for your question.  A number of factors can contribute to back pain early after surgery.  If you are maintaining a flexed at the waist posture to prevent undue tension on the incision line (as recommended by many surgeons) it can lead to strain on the back.  This often resolves once posture is allowed to return to normal.  Additionally, if breast augmentation can occasionally cause pack pain.  This usually resolves within the first several days. And, of course, liposuction in that area can cause pain. Pain medicine can be helpful for these causes as can a heating pad- be careful with any heating pad while on pain medicine as burns can occur because of alteration in pain sensitivity. 

Besides the obvious - pain from liposuction in the immediate area - patients can also experience pain as their posture adjusts to less weight over their midsection and more weight (from implants) over their chests. Its a new set of muscles that are involved and this may take some time to get used to. In the short run, heat and NSAIDS (ibuprofen) is probably the ticket. If that's not sufficient, there are muscle relaxants (flexoril is one) but these are often sedating. Long term, working on core strengthening will help your muscles adjust to your new body.

Thank you for your question. Yes, back pain is common after tummy tuck surgery because you are "hunched over" protecting the incision line. Lying on your back for hours/days also contributes to the back discomfort. inflammation from liposuction may also play a part. I recommend the use of a walker to my patients - this helps decrease the strain on the back. Talk to your surgeon and see if he/she has other recommendations for you.   Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with.

It is my pleasure to answer your question. Back pain is normal if you had liposuction. You may ask your surgeon what to take for it. I usually prescribe pain killers each eight hours for one week after surgery.

If a mommy makeover has included a tummy tuck and/or liposuction of the flanks and/or back, it is not unusual for a patient to have some back pain in the first few days following the procedure.  If the pain persists or is severe, you should check back with your surgeon ASAP.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.