As patient counselors at our plastic surgery centers in Denver and Golden, CO, Carrie and I have listened to many tummy tuck patients. We have talked with these patients before surgery and after recovery—and helped them push through their fears.
We meet with women daily who want to eliminate sagging skin and a protruding abdomen and reduce the extent of stretch marks left behind after pregnancy or weight loss. However, many patients have become so frightened by the perceived “painful” recovery—that they end up postponing their procedure for months and sometimes years!
Listen up! Procrastination is a big mistake! Why put off the future of a sleek, flat, bikini-wearing, defined stomach for a few weeks of discomfort? Understanding the truth about pain, taking advantage of modern pain management, and setting yourself up with ample recovery time and support will make for a successful recovery.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
Many patients worry about what to expect after a tummy tuck. Luckily, the pain during tummy tuck recovery does not outweigh the amazing results afterward, and men and women who’ve had the procedure give it a 96% Worth It rating on RealSelf.com. Keep in mind that the human psyche is extremely masterful at dramatizing a painful recovery scene before we have experienced the event. The truth is, nothing about the tummy tuck recovery is excruciating.
How long does the tightness last after a tummy tuck?
The discomfort after a tummy tuck comes not from the incision, which will actually be numb for some time, but from the muscle tightening. Patients find normal activities such as standing up straight, walking up stairs, and getting out of a seated position or bed uncomfortable because the core muscles are sore after being sewn together from the breast bone to the pubic bone.
Think about it this way: A tummy tuck is basically military boot camp for the abdominal muscles. Those stubborn muscles loved the roominess of your loose abdomen. For about a week, they retaliate by acting sore and tired. Those muscles quickly become angry and fatigued from the layers of sutures placed to keep them tight. The soreness diminishes after a week and you start to think less and less about it. Most women are walking upright and going about daily activities after just 2 weeks.
Patients go back to working out at 4 to 6 weeks post-tummy tuck. Some report small muscle “zingers” with workouts or yoga, which is completely normal. However, we advise patients to go back to working out slowly and back off if it hurts. Many of our extremely active patients get back to working out sooner and report stronger core strength as an added benefit.
A game-changer in pain management: How effective is EXPAREL?
In addition to using a no-drain tummy tuck technique and prescribing the best oral pain medications available, Dr. Vath, Dr. Wolfe, and Dr. Steinwald offer EXPAREL® for long-lasting pain control. This non-narcotic, non-opioid pain reliever is injected directly into the abdominal tissue, fascia, and muscles during surgery. It is effective in managing pain for up to 72 hours post-op. 
Not only does EXPAREL help patients get through the first 72 hours post-op with significantly reduced discomfort, but it is also great for patients who wish to limit the amount of narcotic pain meds they need to take. Oral pain relievers can cause extreme drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and constipation in some patients. Our patients who opt to add EXPAREL to their procedure report a 50% reduction in narcotic pain medication consumption versus those who do not. EXPAREL adds to the total surgical investment, but the patients who have used it feel it is well worth the cost.
What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?
Set yourself up for 2 weeks of doing nothing but recovering. Carrie and I counsel patients about getting into the “recovery mindset.” Most of us modern women are busy and overscheduled. We do it all: From working, cooking, rearing children, exercising, to volunteer work. We like to think we are superhuman. This notion can make for a frustrating and uncomfortable recovery process because we aren’t able to keep up with the demands and responsibilities of “normal” life during the first 2 weeks post-surgery.
Your energy will return in a few short weeks. However, you will not be able to run the household or your career by yourself during this time.
Sleeping a lot is normal (and encouraged!) during recovery. You shouldn’t be making any important decisions or responding to serious emails while on pain medication. Remind yourself that you just had SURGERY and you need downtime. Enlist your family and friends to help out with meals, cleaning, running errands, and watching the kids. You’ll be glad you asked for support.
Actual patient shown before and 5 months post-op
To get an idea of the kind of results you can expect, take a look at real tummy tuck before-and-after photos of our patients. Keep in mind that many men and women who choose tummy tuck often combine it with liposuction for even more dramatic body contouring.
Our plastic surgery practice serves people from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and throughout the greater Denver area. Contact us online or call us at (303) 278-2600 (Golden, CO) or (303) 951-2100 (Denver, CO) to schedule a personal consultation. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions and concerns regarding breast lifts or any other procedure.
Kari Roland
Patient counselor to Dr. Vath
[email protected]
As a nurse for over 44 years, I noted that patients with pain fell into two categories: those with a very high pain tolerance & those with a very low pain tolerance. There is no minor surgery. All surgery involves some degree of pain. A tummy tuck is a major procedure. Medals are not awarded to patients who do not take a reasonable amount of analgesic medication over the acute phase of their recovery. Expect some pain, but be nice to youtself. Take your meds, so you can get up & move to participate in your return to wellness.
Great points, Sally. We by no means were trying to downplay the discomfort involved with a tummy tuck, which is, as you pointed out, a major surgery. It is a fine line with the narcotic pain meds between staying on top of pain and possibly taking more than needed. That’s why we are so excited about the Exparel.
After having this surgery almost 10 years ago, the pain was WORTH EVERY bit of the benefits I still see.
That’s great to hear!
Curious as to your age when you had it done? Would you recommend doing it if you are 68?
Hi Ali,
I was in my mid-30s when I had my Mommy Makeover, however, we have performed tummy tucks on patients in their 60s and even into their mid-70s. As long as you are healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia for 2-2.5 hours, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have this procedure if your tummy is an area that bothers you.
We are always happy to see you for a consultation to discuss the tummy tuck procedure in depth with you.
Best,
Kari
I have a tummy tuck coming up August 20th why eye doctor Fosnot at PENN. I am 60 and I’ve had this hanging belly a fat and I mean pretty bad much worse than I’ve seen in any of your before pictures so I have more to take off I’m not looking forward to the pain and I’m not looking forward to the pills that do nothing for you but cause constipation and sleepiness and dizziness anything other than Tylenol with codeine which I take for spine degeneration disease is a lot for me to handle but I do get a lot of pain I have a low tolerance. I seem to get anxiety and panic. They plan on sending me home the same day is that normal
Hi Raven,
I am hoping that was a typo and that your TT is NOT being performed by an eye doctor. In regards to your question, it is routine for TT to be performed as an outpatient procedure. This may change on a case-by-case basis depending on if the patient has a health history that would warrant an overnight hospital stay.
As for as your concerns about pain meds, I urge you to discuss it with your Plastic Surgeon, as there are different things he/she can prescribe. I would also think about adding Exparel to your procedure.
Best wishes for your procedure!
Hi Raven,
Hope it turned out well for you. I had it done 8/17 and so far I’m thrilled. My doc just met me on Sunday to pull the drainage tube and I am ever so thankful. He said most tummy tucks he removes 2-3 lbs of skin. He removed 6 1/2 POUNDS from me.
I’m presently 64 and already looking forward to having my thighs done. I lost 75lbs and I just don’t think that much skin will tighten itself up.
Hi I’m a 54 year old female and just got a TT in Seoul, Korea. I keep reading that recovery time is around 2 week and getting really discouraged by it. I’n 4 weeks post Op and still feel the muscles tightening and pain from that. It hurts when I get up from a chair, out of bed, and walking after sitting for a while. I hate this feeling and regret getting the TT as I was so active before… I worked out 6 days a week in the gym and follow a plant based Diet and a general fit person and this knocked me on my ass. Is it because of my age?
I think you should post this for ladies that may be going through it cause I’m certain I’m not the only one out there.
I had a full TT and lipo for the flanks and tightening.
I’m sorry to hear that you are still having pain! 2 weeks is just an average that we tell folks as far as recovery. It’s not overly uncommon that you are still having pain at 4 weeks post-op, and it’s not because of your age – just some people recover more quickly than others. I know it’s especially frustrating when you are used to being active. Be patient.
I had a tummy tuck roughly 14 yrs ago at age 52. To this y I still get very bad itching at times on my nearly invisible scar area. Also that tight pulling sensation. It come and goes. Could I have possible nerve damage. I have not been back for conceltaion.
Hi Judy. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing discomfort in your abdominoplasty scar, though it is unusual to be experiencing discomfort this far out from your procedure. Nerves in the skin are always cut during an abdominoplasty, and most patients are numb for 12-18 months between the belly button and the incision. When sensation does return, some nerves may be trapped in the scar tissue and can remain irritate indefinitely. Alternately, robust scar formation like a hypertrophic scar or keloid may be uncomfortable. Finally, the scar may be adherent to the underlying muscle layer, and this can result in an uncomfortable sensation. Best bet is to come in for a consult when the quarantine ends.
I just had my TT this past Saturday, April 25 in Daegu, South Korea. To start with – I’ve always had a very high pain tolerance, So when I say this wasn’t as bad as I was expecting post-op, I don’t want to downplay the uncomfortableness I was in for a day or so. With that being said, I was able to go on short walks around our neighborhood four days post-op without pain. The surgery went well and I have really not had any pain due to the surgery. I am in discomfort due to the compression garment I am wearing, which puts a good deal of pressure on my rib cage (which was specially measured and made for my body). I am swollen and bruised, which I anticipate to continue.
Due to the local health situation, I am able to work from home, so this was a perfect time to have the procedure completed. So far, I am completely pleased, and would recommend it to anyone contemplating having it done!
Thanks for sharing! Glad you are recovering well.
I have a tummy tuck booked for the beginning of August but will only have 1 week of help with my 2 year old. We 1 week be enough time to decrease the pain & get back to basic level activists such as bending & standing to cook? Luckily she is 2 and can walk and climb on her own, but I will be primarily back with her after just a week. She will be in daycare during the day but I’ll have to drive to pick her up and drop her off to daycare and spend the evening with her. Also no I do not have additional help all I have is the 1 weeks help.
Hi Ashley,
You should be fine to care for your daughter afternoons/evenings one week post op. Just be prepared to get tired easily. as for driving her to and from daycare, that is fine provided you are not taking narcotic pain meds or muscle relaxers and your motion is not hindered by pain as to make driving unsafe (for example to be able to turn to check blind spots for lane changes, etc).
Best of luck with your procedure!
I had a mommy makeover and am now 1 week post op. I don’t have much pain but I do however experience the most burning painful sensation just above my belly button at times, this comes and goes. Is this normal?
While this is likely normal, we recommend that you reach out to your surgeon.
Hello,
I had a tummy tuck and Lopo May 2019 and the lips again November 27,2019. I’ve been feeling a tightness across my navel area. My stomach gets extremely tight when I drink something and eat . I can only do one or the other. I feel a hard lump in that area and it’s a little sore on the left side side. I’ve been having some constipation and it’s a must that I take meds to help that problem. When I drink water, my stomach seems to bulge and I feel the tightness and lumps.. What should I do? It’s been a year now.
Hello. I am sorry that you are going through this. I do not think that this is necessarily related to your tummy tuck and I would advise that you start with an appointment with your primary care doc. Best of luck.
Hi! I’m scheduled for a tummy tuck, lipo and fat transfer in August, my 44th birthday to myself. I’m not too concerned about the pain but more so if I’ll die during surgery. I’m overall healthy but boy I’m getting so much anxiety about this.
Congratulations on taking the plunge and scheduling your procedure. What a great birthday gift to yourself. It is very common to be nervous, but you’ll be so happy once you’ve recovered. Best of luck!
I’m going to be 63 and I’m scheduled for lipo and tt july 29th. I have copd and hypertension that I take medication for. I have been cleared fo r surgery by all my doctors. I am having day surgery but in the hospital because of my health history . My surgeon wanted to use experal but the hospital won’t allow it for cosmetic surgery. How bad is the pain to control? Worried about pain and my blood pressure.
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, but with a combination of muscle relaxers and pain meds, most people manage very well.
Good luck!
Hi Kari, i have a question. Well its been 3 months since my tummy tuck and everything has been great except for 2 days ago that i started to feel this burning sensation in one small area in my right side of my incision (about 3 inches wide). It hurts when i bend to pick something up and when i sit down. Its a scary burning sensation that makes me not want to sit for long periods or bend down at all, it sort off feels as if its opening up from the inside and i have to add pressure to stop the pain when it happens. Do you think its my nerves or perhaps i lifted something heavy and it opened up in the inside?
Hi Elizabeth,
It is very common to have nerve type pain in that area and at 3 months out the nerves are starting to wake up so patients often feel burning sensations. Sometimes taking some anti inflammatory medication can help on days that are worse than others. Gentle massage to that area might calm the nerves down quicker.
Since I’m working from home now would I be ok getting a tt on a Saturday and be able to work on Monday? I’m not sure what the recovery will be like. I expect pain but will it be possible to write and attend virtual meetings?
Hi Stephanie,
That is a little ambitious. With our patients who have a desk job we recommend that they take a week off. Depending on your pain tolerance and if you are able to work 1/2 days you MIGHT feel up to it by Thursday. If you are able to take the week, I would recommend it just to not push yourself too much.
~Kara
Hi I had my TT over year ago, still having sensation on my right side where was the drain side, and also formed keloid in my belly and dark, is that normal? What should I do?
Hello Agnes,
It can take up to 18 months for sensation to return to what will be your new normal. As far as the keloid scarring goes, I would return to your plastic surgeon. He/She should be able to perform a scar revision to remove that. They should watch you carefully in the several months after the revision, potentially injecting the area with steroids to help prevent formation of another keloid.
I am considering a TT but the surgeon warned that it could cause my back pain to be worse. I have suffered from back and neck pain for years. I had neck surgery last year (3 level dissectomy and fusion ) and I have several herniated discs in lower back , muscle and arthritis pain. Now I’m reading some articles that TT can actually help back pain. Which is it?
Hi Christy,
In my experience, patients’ back pain is often alleviated after a tummy tuck. For the first several weeks, back pain may be exacerbated while it will be difficult/painful to engage your core muscles, so you will rely on your back more. However, as your core continues to re-engage, you should notice an overall improvement in back pain.
Best of luck with your procedure.
Hi there,
I have a tummy tuck and thigh lift scheduled for September 29. After it was scheduled I had an MRI done on my shoulder and my doctor discovered I had a complete bicep rotator cuff tear so on August 13 I had surgery to repair it. I’ll be in a sling for 6 weeks and having PT appointments. Neither of the surgeons has told me not to have the TT or thigh lift on the scheduled date. What is your opinion, should I go ahead with the surgery or reschedule?
Personally, I feel that being in a sling and doing PT will make recovery more difficult than it needs to be. If it were me, I would reschedule.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
~Kara
I recently had a double mastectomy. I suppose getting a tummy tuck is similar to the reconstructive part of my surgery in which they used my stomach tissue. It has been a month and 11 days since my procedure and I am trying to deal with the frequent automatic tightening of my abdomen. When I walk it tightens, when I drink it tightens. Not sure how this will last. I’m a patient person but I’m also trying to figure out if this is normal and what I can do to help with the healing. Please advise if you can. Thank you,
Uncomfortable TX teacher
I’m sorry to hear what you have been through. What you are describing sounds very normal for your stage of healing. We would defer to the post-op instructions given by your surgeon, but in our practice, we recommend that patients do some light stretching over a yoga ball to help with the tight abdominal muscles. Best of luck in your healing.
I’m in day 6 of my TT & lipo recovery. There is a lot of tightness and burning in my abdomen area as well as a feeling of motion in my stomach, is that normal? My back is also killing me, I use a walker to go back and forth to the bathroom and at times I start to cry because I hurt so much. How long is this going to last? I’m also swollen from surgery. How long are these side effects going to last.
We’re sorry to hear that you are having such trouble. We always recommend that you follow up with your surgeon, however, what you are describing does all sound relatively normal. Most patients round the corner and start feeling significantly better at 7-10 days post-op. Swelling, however, can last for several months. Hopefully, you start feeling better soon.
I’m wanting to get a TT, I’m 64, hate pain, blood, needles ,the thought of getting cut, scares me. Just thinking about it makes me get dizzy. Will I die? What to do?
Hi Gloria,
Tummy Tuck surgery is a major operation, and needs to be respected as such, however it is a completely safe procedure given that you choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who only uses Board Certified Anesthesiologists and has an accredited private operating facility OR operates out of a hospital. So many patients are very nervous, but we’ve never had one once recovered, say that they regretted doing it.
Best of luck!
Hi Kara
I’m 3 weeks in today and feeling really good. I am tired doing nothing but am getting stronger and feeling more like myself everyday. It really is the best gift I could of ever gave myself. My question to you is when I go to bed at night I wake up all hours of the night with burning sensation near my incision area. Could this be because my muscles are working harder to heal? It only seems to happens at night, is that normal?
Hi Tina,
That sounds completely normal. Likely because your muscles are relaxed while sleeping after being asked to engage all day (even though you’re taking it easy – we use our core for virtually everything). Nothing you are describing sounds alarming, of course, I must put the disclaimer that you should always check with your plastic surgeon on any concerns you have.
Best of wishes on your continued healing!
~Kara
I had abdominoplasty and liposuction of the back. Now it is 6 weeks. After the 2nd week, I noticed that my tummy is not flat at the stomach area. My stomach is bulging out and a pressure like feeling that wants to push this area forward. Also, the muscles over my stomach seems contracted and over tight and protruded. The bulging is not getting less with time. What it can be? Over tightness of the muscles? Or hernia? And is there a solution or correction of the problem? I want a completely flat abdomen.
You are definitely still quite swollen at 6 weeks post op as well as likely experiencing a bit of soreness. Both are completely normal in the healing process. However, we do recommend that you follow up with your plastic surgeon to make sure. Though unlikely at 6 weeks post op, you might have a seroma (collection of fluid) that needs to be drained.
Wishing you a quick recovery!
I had a tummy tuck and lipo of the flanks exactly 5 weeks ago I still experienced pain the overall area it hurts if I stand up straight is this normal after 5 weeks and how much longer before it’s subsides?
Healing is different for everyone, but it is within normal range that you are still feeling some pain and tightness at 5 weeks post-op. We do always recommend that you follow up with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.
My wife wants to get a tummy tuck. She doesn’t like the way she looks after giving birth. I’ll take your advice and make sure she has two full weeks to recover if she gets it done.
She will definitely need the 2 weeks (especially if your kids are little)!
I had TT and Vasor Lipo 17 Nov 2020, I can stand a lot straighter but the tightness and sharp digs are still there. My tummy is quite stiff as well and the sharp digs are concentrated on my right side more is all of this normal.
We always encourage you to follow up with your own surgeon with any concerns, but that does sound normal for being just 2 weeks post-op.
Who do you recommend in Albuquerque NM? Don’t know which world be the best one.
Hi Gloria,
We do not know of anyone in Albuquerque. However, we have patients come to us from all over the country and we have really streamlined the process. Fill out the form below if you would like to schedule a virtual consultation:
https://www.thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net/contact/
Hii!i will have my TT and liposuction and gynecomastia next week ,but I’m soo worried because I do live alone,I will need someone to stay with me,I will stay at hospital 3night is that enough or I need to hire someone to stay with me!
Hi Aly,
Not sure why you are staying in the hospital 3 days (seems very unnecessary), but, that being said, you should be fine on your own after the 3 day hospital stay.
Best of luck on your procedure.
I had my tt &liposuction of abdomen on December 12. As contrary to what I expected as per my friend’s experience, i was having moderate pain n difficulty in getting up from bed.i am 36 yrs old, 57 kg and no co morbidities. i had bloating abdomen since 3rd day, had 4-5 episodes of loose stools per day, i am totally tired after coming out of toilet.my back is also paining very much, because of bend posture, so I prefer to sit or either lay down.today s my 8th day.i have tightness lower abdomen as well.today i had 4-5 episodes of feeling strain in my abdominal muscles while trying to get from chair as well as bed.since yesterday i didn’t have any such difficulty.i fear if that leads to any complications.also pls advise whether squatting without causing abdominal muscle strain s allowed ?
Everything that you are describing sounds to be within normal limits for being 8 days post-op from a tummy tuck, but as always, we recommend following up with your surgeon for advice. I would ask your surgeon about taking an over the counter for the loose stools – just so you are not having to get up and run to the bathroom so frequently. – Hope you start feeling better soon!
Does unum let you use sick days for abdominiplasty
I am not sure. We recommend contacting them directly.
Hello i had a tummy tuck, bbl and lipo on my arms and back three weeks ago and I started to have muscle aches all over my body, is this normal, also my stomach feels very stiff, like if i had rocks inside, im worry bc this is new to me and after reading all the comments i haven’t heard of anyone experiencing muscle aches on legs and back pain like me.
The pain in your legs and back is likely due from holding yourself different and (consciously or subconsciously) trying to engage your abdominal muscles less after the tummy tuck. Always a good idea, however, to follow up with your surgeon.
Hello I had done my training and back lipo on the 28th I’d November and I’m having lots of pain and burn sensations is that normal because friends that has done says they were fine in 3 weeks and I can’t seat , walk or lay down for too long I’m constantly taking ant inflammatory is that normal or is something wrong with the procedure?
I am sorry to hear that you are still having pain. Recovery is different for everyone, and while some pain or discomfort is normal at 4 weeks post-op, to be in constant pain is unusual. I recommend that you follow up with your surgeon.
I’m on my 4th day of recovery after liposuction and tummy tuck. The 1st 48 hrs were excruciating but seemed to lighten every hour since then. Now 4 days in except for the tightness, Ireally feel on the road to recovery. Im so looking forward to the beautiful benefits.
Great to hear, Debbie! Yes, that first couple of days can be rough, but so worth it in the end!
Yes yes yes. Feels like the height of a labor contraction without the low in between. The meds Dull the pain a bit. Think going from a 10 to a 7.
Hi Danielle,
The pain is obviously different for everyone. Most of our patients who opt for Exparel take 1/2 the number of narcotics as those who do not get it.
Would age is not good for tummy trucks in butt lift in breast reduction.
There is really not an age that is “too old” for these procedures as long as the patient is in good health.
Sorry, I had a Tummy Tuck and it is major surgery . You minimize the level of pain and amount of time needed for recovery .
I would never recommend !!!!!
Hi Melissa,
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. We can only speak for the experience of our patients, but most are back to work after 1 week for desk jobs and 2 for more active jobs. With the addition of exparel, we noticed that those patients cut their narcotic medication use in half.
I had my tummy tuck about 6 weeks ago and no pain from incision. Still very sore and hard muscles when I stand up from sitting or especially when I get up in the morning. Hard tummy as well. How long until my abdominal muscles heal and relax and soften again? Havi g read prev questions you say they heal around 4 weeks??
Hello – What you are describing sounds normal. For some people it can take upwards of 2 months for this to settle down.
I am 36 and decided to get a TT and fat transfer to my breasts due to an 80 lb weight loss. I’m 6 days post-op and recovering well. I had Exparel and I would HIGHLY recommend it; absolutely worth the price. I’m still uncomfortable but feel loads better (feeling a little better each day). My biggest issue is my drain hurting really badly but I’ve read that’s not usually the case. My post-op is today and I’m hoping my surgeon will remove it. I’d encourage anyone to go for it! It’s not painless but I keep reminding myself of the eventual results, and how happy I already am to be rid of the loose skin that’s bothered me for years.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your procedure!
Hello, I had a TT eleven months ago. The left side of my abdominal never healed. The drain site still itches and burns at times. I had a hard lump on the left side that caused swelling and discomfort and couldn’t resume normal activities. I got a revision. To wash out the area six months after. It’s been 4 months after my revision and the same problem came back. My surgeon said he didn’t see much just irritation. He doesn’t know what is causing this.
What can be going on? What should I do? I’m really tired of the swelling and have developed back pain from this. I haven’t had my normal life back and I’m very frustrated.
This could be a recurrent chronic seroma or hematoma. We encourage you to continue follow-ups with your plastic surgeon or potentially to seek a second opinion.
Quiero agradecer a todas las personas que generosamente comparten sus experiencias. Tengo ya programada una TT para principios de marzo y todos sus consejos han sido muy importantes para ajustar mis expectativas y prepararme. Ya les contaré como me va.
Mucha suerte con tu tramite!!
Hi there just a quick question. I had a tummy tuck with lipo on March 16th. I am almost 4 weeks post op. Everything seems to be going really well except a little pain on my right side, rib area and next to my belly button. Is this normal. Hurts more when I am up and moving around. While sitting I seem to have no pain. I contacted my surgeon she seems to think everything is normal and it may be the nerves starting to repair themselves. Almost feels like a side ache. Just wanting your profession option if it should be something to be concerned about?? On the plus side I am so happy to have done this as I’ve wanted to it done for 25 years from having kids! I am 44 years old and all the pain and down time has been so worth it!! Anyone on the fence about do it I say go for it!! You won’t regret it!!
Congrats on finally getting this done! Everything you are describing sounds like the normal healing process, but don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon if you are still concerned.
I had tummy tuck and liposuction a month ago. I did my research on the topic because I wanted to find out how painful is the surgery. Let me tell you.. I’ve had 3 c sections and c sections are NOTHING compared to tummy tuck+lipo! I was up and running within 2 weeks after c sections where after 4 weeks after tummy tuck+ lipo I am still in pain , sore and swollen and still walking bended …
And if you have small kids to take care of… good luck
Everyone’s pain tolerance and experience are different. I am curious to know if you had Exparel injected in the OR? Exparel is a long-acting non-narcotic pain medication that is injected into the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck. The use of this medication cuts down on narcotic pain medication use by 40-50%.
I had a TT with breast lift and implants and after 5 weeks I developed constant itching on the left side of my belly button. It doest come and go its constant. I still get some itching on my incision site but the belly button one does not relent. I have been suffering this for 8 weeks now and it’s starting to take a toll. Is this normal or will I have this forever? Can I treat it with anything? I have tried antihistamines, topical creams, ice packs and nothing works.
We always recommend that you reach out directly to your plastic surgeon with post op questions. But generally speaking, tummy tucks affects the nerves and blood vessels in the lower abdominal area. As a result, patients often experience tingling, numbness, itching, and other odd sensations during the recovery period. As the skin and nerves heal, these sensations will subside as well.
Hi I’m day 7 of TT I feel dreadful. I’ve been crying and can’t stand my compression garment. I had an 8cm muscle separation and the pain I am feeling is almost like labour contractions. I’m reading that this should get better after days 7 I really hope so. I regret having it done at the moment and feel like I’ll never be the same again. I know it’s only been 7 days. I just need to hear from people that I’m going to be ok. My surgeon said it’s normal and will pass.
It is within the range of normal for sure. Different people have different pain tolerance. As far as feeling emotional and crying and having regrets about surgery, that is also very common post-anesthesia. Check with your surgeon on your compression garment as well. They may be ok with you switching to something a little more comfortable like Spanx. Hang in there and you will get to the other side and will be so happy you had this procedure.