Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Question

I have a tummy tuck, muscle reconstruction and butt lift on September 1, 2020. It’s been 1 year and 7 months and I am still in pain. I feel sharp pain on my stomach and the muscle reconstruction is still painful and I am not able to physical activities without being put down for a couple of days. I take delta 8 gummies to lessen the pain. I don’t know how much more I can take. Please advise what I can do to feel better. In desperate need for advise. Thank you!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm really sorry to hear that you're still experiencing significant discomfort more than a year after your procedures. This is certainly not the norm, and it's important that you get this addressed promptly.

Pain this long after a tummy tuck, muscle reconstruction, and buttock lift is unusual. Normally, most of the acute pain subsides within the first few weeks to months, with some patients reporting minor discomfort for several months as the body fully heals.

It's hard to give specific advice without knowing more details about your surgery, and without being able to physically examine you. However, I can offer some general suggestions:

First and foremost, please contact your plastic surgeon if you haven't already. They know the specifics of your procedure and your medical history. They can best advise you on the appropriate steps to take.

It might be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon if you have not found resolution with your original surgeon.

Consider seeking the help of a pain management specialist. They might be able to provide different treatment options for your pain.

Also, I would recommend seeking a consultation with a physical therapist who is familiar with post-surgical rehabilitation. They can provide targeted exercises and techniques that can help with pain management and recovery.

Please know that it's important to not ignore this kind of persistent pain, and it's crucial that you get the right medical attention. With the right care, there's certainly a chance to alleviate the pain and discomfort you're experiencing.

Best of luck,

Dr. Katzen

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Dynamic361685, every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients, the best thing to do is to get in touch with your surgeon or his team. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having with pain.  This is not typical, especially to the degree you are in discomfort and for the length of time it's been occurring.  Your situation needs to be evaluated by your surgeon.  Further tests may needed for diagnosis.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dynamic361685,
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

Francisco Rodriguez Rosario, MD · Answer

The pain after abdominoplasty is good to define the area where is found if it increases on palpation to make a more accurate diagnosis, but it is described that 1 to 2 years of improvement of pain and discomfort in this area. Vitamins B for 1 month can help with this type of pain.

Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Answers (7)

Answer: Pain after tummy tuck

Answer: Pain after tummy tuck

Answer: Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Answer: Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Answers (7)

Answer: Pain after tummy tuck

Answer: Pain after tummy tuck

Answer: Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Answer: Will I ever be pain free? I had a tummy tuck and muscle reconstruction 1 year and 7 months ago

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.