Could I wake up in excruciating pain after my tummy tuck and muscle repair?

I don't want to scare you but tummy tucks with muscle tightening hurt. The keys are how the pain is controlled and how the patient responds.In my own practice I inject the abdominal wall muscles with a long acting local anesthesia before the tummy is closed. This doesn't take away all of the discomfort but it sure helps.Some doctors use pain pumps that inject local anesthesia after surgery as well. I use them on occasion myself but generally prefer not to leave extra tubes in my patients. Some patients are more tolerant of discomfort some are not. I tell my patient the goal with pain medication is to be comfortable, but not immobile and asleep for five days.For patients that are very concerned about post operative discomfort we discuss a non muscle tightening tummy tuck. This removes the same amount of loose skin but does not flatten the abdominal wall. It is a much easier recovery and makes sense for some patients although most still choose to have the muscles tightened.Discuss your  concerns with your PS and ask how he or she manages postoperative discomfort.  Best wishes 

Excruciating pain after a tummy tuck is highly unusual. Anesthesiologists can perform a TAP Block, nerve block, to decrease abdominal pain post operatively. They will also administer narcotics, muscle relaxers, and other medications to make patients feel more comfortable.In my practice, we perform this procedure as an outpatient procedure in an accredited Medicare approved ambulatory surgery center with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist (MD/DO)Consult with a Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBest wishes