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

Question

I Am Almost 4 Weeks out from Having a FTT with MR. I Have Been Having a Strange Pain in my Upper Abs on left side right under my ribs. It feels a little better if I press on it.It is very uncomfortable feeling hard to sit up sometimes. I had this pain start when I was driving at 2 weeks out.Could I have hurt something? Is this something I need to see my Dr for or can it wait till my 6 week check up with him??

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

This s not uncommon because the MR is closer to the rib edges up there and the nerves are too.  This will get better, unless there is a bulge, you have done nothing to harm the result.

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

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Answer: Rib pain after tummy tuck

Answer: Rib pain after tummy tuck

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

Answers (4)

Answer: Rib pain after tummy tuck

Answer: Rib pain after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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