Pain Under Ribs 3 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck w/ Muscle Repair

I agree that this is not uncommon after a tummy tuck at three weeks.  I would be especially careful with doing any fast sitting up or anything approaching "a sit up" for the first 6 weeks after the tummy tuck.  All tummy tucks include "plication" which is the suturing of the muscle fascia to "tighten" the covering or "fascia" of the rectus muscles and centralize them.  Occasionally if a patients fees a "pop", one of the sutures can break if a patient is doing any vigorous sitting up.    Usually it is not a problem because of the multiple sutures placed at the time of surgery, but that is why it is important to refrain from vigorous sit-up type activity until full healing occurs at about 6 weeks.  If it is a problem you may see a bulge.  I would be cautious for the next few weeks with this abdominal situp type activity and continue with your regularly scheduled appointment with your plastic surgeon. 

Sincerely,

James F. Boynton, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Pain in the upper abdomen may be from strenuous activity like you described.  You should takeit easy and see your doctor if concerned.

Hello and thank you for the question.

The pain you are describing is not atypical in the early course following an abdominoplasty with plication.  I would refrain from any heavy lifting (greater than 10 pounds) for a period of 8 weeks following the date of your surgery. Any unusual new onset bulging or mass should be reported to your physician. Short of that, I feel you are experiencing routine post-procedural symptoms.

Best, 

Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.