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When should pain subside from a Tummy Tuck? Are essential oils okay to use on a incision? If so, when?

I had a tummy tuck w/ hernia and muscle repair about 2.5 weeks ago. I still have a lot pain when I move around. When can I expect the pain to subside? When will I be able to sleep in bed? I've been sleeping in a recliner with pillows, it hurts to lay in bed (even w/ extra pillows). Can I use the essential oils of lavender, frankincense, white fir, & helichrysum, along with vitamin e, and coconut oil on the incision 3 weeks post-op? I've read that they will help with healing and lessen the scar.

Doctor Answers 3

Pain after a tummy tuck

May 22nd, 2014
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Pain after a tummy tuck can last several weeks, and I usually recommend massaging with oils 3 months afterward.

Web reference: http://www.baltimoreplasticsurgery.com/body-contouring/tummy-tuck/

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS
May 22nd, 2014

Pain after a tummy tuck

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Pain after a tummy tuck can last several weeks, and I usually recommend massaging with oils 3 months afterward.

Learn more: http://www.baltimoreplasticsurgery.com/body-contouring/tummy-tuck/

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS

When should pain subside from a Tummy Tuck? Are essential oils okay to use on a incision? If so, when?

May 20th, 2014
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Most patients start to feel substantially better 3-5 weeks after surgery, but everyone is different. I would follow  your surgeon's recommendation about what you can put on your scar and when you can/should do it. Each surgeon has a different recommendation.
Eric Desman, MD

Eric Desman, MD
Alexandria Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 10 reviews

May 20th, 2014

When should pain subside from a Tummy Tuck? Are essential oils okay to use on a incision? If so, when?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Most patients start to feel substantially better 3-5 weeks after surgery, but everyone is different. I would follow  your surgeon's recommendation about what you can put on your scar and when you can/should do it. Each surgeon has a different recommendation.

Eric Desman, MD
Alexandria Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck recovery

May 20th, 2014
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Pain from a tummy tuck usually subsides over 6-8 weeks. Be careful not to try to move the recovery period forward to fast. The oils seem okay at this point but ask your surgeon. 
Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, FACS
May 20th, 2014

Tummy Tuck recovery

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Pain from a tummy tuck usually subsides over 6-8 weeks. Be careful not to try to move the recovery period forward to fast. The oils seem okay at this point but ask your surgeon. 
Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, FACS

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.