Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Most patients experience tightness and difficulty standing following abdominoplasty surgery. This typically lasts for about a week, but in some cases, can last longer.

Initially patients are encouraged to walk in a slightly flexed position to keep tension off the wound closure. This also makes the immediate post-operative period more comfortable. With the passage of time, patients are allowed to gradually resume an erect position and perform light activities.

Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks. Tightness occurs because of the skin closure, and the plication of the underlying abdominal muscles. The degree of tightness that results varies from patient to patient. It depends on how aggressively the surgeon has tightened both the skin and the underlying muscles.

A tummy tuck tightness

When there is aggressive tightening of the abdominal muscles, there’s more post-operative discomfort. Under these circumstances patients may need to walk in a flexed position for longer periods of time.

When more significant skin resections are performed, ambulation in a flexed position will be necessary for longer periods of time as well. I suspect that your current symptoms are probably normal. They are probably related to aggressive tightening of both your muscles and skin. It’s important that you communicate with your surgeon. Be patient, you may ultimately be happy with your result. (Richard J. Bruneteau, MD, Omaha Plastic Surgeon)

There is some associated tightness with an abdominoplasty and this usually goes away so please be patient. Occasionally there will be a feeling of tightness around the waist due to skin removal but this feeling will vanish as time passes. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck operation tightness

Tummy tuck tightness is normal. Wearing a tight compression garment is very important to help reduce swelling and also help with shape and contour. I would recommend you consult your surgeon and be examined to be sure that you are healing properly without any complication. (Jaime Perez, MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)

To tighten by folding, as in the sheet was tucked under the mattress, or by removing, as in the doctor removed a foot of skin during my tummy tuck. Just kidding, all the answers were so good, no point in rehashing the obvious. (Rafael C. Cabrera, MD, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)

Abdominoplasty tightness

One of the benefits of a tummy tuck is tightness. The question is how much tightness do you have? I have seen one patient (fortunately she had her tummy tuck elsewhere) who was too tight or at least she felt so. She sought to have her tummy tuck “loosened.” This is the only such case I have seen in over ten years though.

The tightness you feel within the first few months of surgery loosens up and usually people are fine. This one is probably best treated with time. (John P. Di Saia, MD, Orange Plastic Surgeon)

Tightness is common after a tummy tuck. However, if it is really uncomfortable, then you probably should go see your surgeon just to make sure. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck surgery tightness

Tummy tuck tightness is normal. Many patients complain of being physically tired after the procedure, because the soreness around the abdomen afffects their core strength. Take it easy; it will get better. (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Providing abdominoplasty is not overdone, tightness in the abdominal wall and overlying skin should gradually go away in 6 weeks or two months. If residual tightening persist, aggressive soft tissue massage and professional physiotherapy including ultra sound should be considered. (Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD)

Is not unusual following a tummy tuck. The tightness that you are still feeling may be scar tissue forming under the skin.

It will eventually soften and relax and then you may be unhappy that your tightness has gone. You can try down grading to a lighter compression garment. I usually have my patients switch at about 2 weeks. (Kenneth R. Francis, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Of all the cosmetic surgery procedures, a tummy tuck has the toughest recovery. So your symptoms don’t sound worrisome. In a few weeks you should feel much better. After 5 weeks, you can certainly try to exercise. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

It is very normal to have pain and Tummy tuck tightness for several months. If you are doing something that is causing pain and tightness in particular, you are probably doing too much for you at this stage in your recovery. (Gary Lawton, MD, FACS, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)