1 year post-op, still experiencing abdominal tightness when I take off my faja, what can I do about this?

Thank you for your question regarding what to do about abdominal pain one year postop from your tummy tuck. What you were experiencing is probably due to the muscle plication that was performed during your tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. I would suggest aggressive range of motion exercises either on your own or with a physical therapist. This will help to strengthen your core and minimize the pain. This should include sit-ups and working your obliques. If your symptoms do not resolve with conservative measures, you may consider revising your tummy tuck. The procedure will go through your prior tell me tuck scar and release the muscle plication sutures. You could either permanently remove the sutures on the rectus muscle or ask your surgeon to replace them with slightly looser sutures. I would suggest you do the conservative maneuvers first and if it does not resolve revisit with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

I encourage you to return to your surgeon for an evaluation. It is not typical to need compression support nearly a year after your procedure. Compression is helpful during recovery to control swelling and give support to healing tissues. Most patients can stop using it after 4-8 weeks.

Dear The Fox1,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery